US President Donald Trump said in a Fox News interview that Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is probably alive but may have been injured during recent strikes linked to the escalating Middle East conflict. Mojtaba has not appeared publicly since being selected by a clerical assembly, and his first statement was read by a television presenter instead of being delivered directly by him. Iranian officials denied serious injury while Mojtaba warned Gulf countries to shut US bases and declared the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed.

Uncertainty Grows Over Mojtaba Khamenei’s Health as Trump Says ‘Damaged’

Fresh uncertainty has emerged over the condition of Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader after US President Donald Trump suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei may be alive but injured following recent attacks linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking during an interview on the Fox News program The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump said he believes the Iranian leader survived the strikes but may have been hurt.

“I think he probably is alive. I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form,” Trump said while discussing the ongoing situation in Iran.

His remarks come as speculation continues to grow over the health and whereabouts of Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently assumed power after the death of his father, former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Speculation Grows After Reports of Possible Injury

Why has Mojtaba Khamenei not appeared publicly since becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader?

Reports about Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition intensified after comments made by Masoud Pezeshkian’s son, Yousef Pezeshkian, who mentioned hearing news that the new Supreme Leader had been injured.

In a message posted on the messaging platform Telegram, Yousef Pezeshkian said he had asked contacts about the reports.

“I heard news about Mojtaba being injured. I asked friends who were in contact. They said, ‘Thank God, he is healthy and there is no problem,’” he wrote.

An Iranian official also told local media that the leader had suffered minor injuries but was continuing to perform his duties.

Despite these assurances, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since being selected by a clerical assembly to lead Iran earlier this week. His first remarks since taking office were read out on state television by a presenter rather than delivered directly by him.

Mojtaba Warns Gulf States and Vows to Keep Strait of Hormuz Closed

What warning did Mojtaba Khamenei give Gulf countries and what did he say about the Strait of Hormuz?

In his first message after assuming leadership, Mojtaba Khamenei delivered a strong warning to countries in the region hosting American military bases.

He called on neighbouring states to shut down US military facilities on their territory, warning that Iran could target them if they continue to support American operations.

The Iranian leader also declared that the crucial global shipping route known as the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as part of Iran’s response to the ongoing conflict.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through the narrow waterway every day.

War Escalated After US–Israel Strikes on Iran

The tensions stem from a major escalation that began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets.

The attacks triggered a wider regional confrontation, with Iran responding with missile and drone strikes against Israel and several Gulf countries hosting American military bases.

During the initial attacks, Ali Khamenei and members of his family were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike, paving the way for Mojtaba Khamenei to assume the position of Supreme Leader.

A Secretive Figure Suddenly Thrust Into Power

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei and what was his role before becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader?

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has long been considered a highly secretive and influential figure within Iran’s political and religious establishment.

Despite his influence behind the scenes during the leadership of his father, Ali Khamenei, he rarely appeared in public or delivered major speeches.

Since becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader earlier this week, Mojtaba has remained largely unseen, further fuelling speculation about his health and his ability to lead the country during a time of war.

The uncertainty surrounding his condition comes at a sensitive moment for Iran as it faces both an internal leadership transition and rising military tensions across the Middle East.

With global tensions rising and critical oil routes under threat, international leaders and analysts are closely watching developments surrounding Iran’s leadership and the future course of the conflict.