Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is 'damaged, but alive': Donald Trump

Trump's remarks came hours after the new Iranian supreme leader's first public remarks were run by news portals, even though he was not seen in public.

Updated on: Mar 13, 2026, 12:36:18 IST

Edited by Nayanika Sengupta

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US President Donald Trump said on Friday he believes Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive “in some form,” despite not being seen publicly since taking office after the war in Iran began.

US Iran war (AFP photo)

Trump's remarks came hours after the new Iranian supreme leader's first public remarks were run by news portals, in which resolved to keep fighting, promising more pain for Gulf Arab states and threatening to open “other fronts” in a war that has already disrupted world energy supplies, the global economy and international travel. Track latest in US Iran war here

“I think he probably is. I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form, you know,” Fox News quoted Trump as saying in an interview in “The Brian Kilmeade Show” scheduled to air Friday at 10:06 am ET.

Trump asks ships to 'show guts'

Addressing the difficulties vessels wanting to sail through the key Strait of Hormuz are facing, Trump suggested the ships should show some “guts” and carry on their journey.

"They should go through the Strait of Hormuz and show some guts."

"There's nothing to be afraid of. They have no Navy and we sunk all their ships," the president was quoted as saying.

US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, citing the Islamic country's nuclear ambition as the reason, killed the then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and sparked drone and missile exchange that still is rattling the entire Gulf.

Days after the killing of Khamenei, his son Mojtaba was chosen as his successor.

Mojtaba Khamenei is believed to be close to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and is widely seen as even less compromising than his father.

Khamenei said in a statement read by a state TV news anchor that he was keeping a “file of revenge”.

The questions over Mojtaba Khamenei's whereabouts and conditions despite his reported public statement have been triggered by him not appearing on camera.

Mojtaba has not been seen since his father and wife were killed in the war, which also injured him, according to an Iranian ambassador.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nayanika Sengupta
Nayanika is a Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times, based in New Delhi, with over six years of experience in the digital media industry. She specialises in delivering clear, insightful coverage across general, national, and international beats, with a strong focus on breaking news and in-depth explainers. Known for her ability to decode complex developments, she enjoys unpacking layered political and policy issues into accessible, reader-friendly narratives that inform without overwhelming. She has previously worked in India's leading newsrooms, including India Today, News18, and Outlook, where she chased news, covered major events of the past six years and led teams. With a Master's degree in Political Science, Nayanika has a keen interest in international relations and global affairs. Her academic grounding shapes her analytical approach to stories, enabling her to connect the dots between domestic events and broader geopolitical currents. She is particularly drawn to stories that require context, nuance, and clarity - turning complicated subjects into compelling reads. Outside the newsroom, Nayanika is a passionate gourmand who loves cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. When she's not writing or tracking the latest headlines, she can often be found exploring local markets for fresh ingredients, seeking inspiration for her next culinary experiment.Read More

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