March 13, (THEWILL) — U.S President Donald Trump has cast doubt on the condition of Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, saying he believes the cleric is alive but may have been injured following Israeli strikes during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Speaking in an interview on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show”, Trump said Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since being selected by a clerical assembly on Sunday, was likely alive despite reports suggesting he may have been wounded.
“I think he probably is (alive). I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form”, Trump said in remarks published late Thursday.
Khamenei, the son of Iran’s slain former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was chosen to lead the Islamic Republic after his father was killed on the first day of attacks launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28.
His first message since assuming leadership was delivered through a state television presenter on Thursday. In the statement, he vowed that Iran would keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz closed and warned neighbouring countries hosting U.S. military bases to shut them down or risk Iranian retaliation.
The war, which is nearing its second week, has seen Iran launch retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf states hosting American military installations, raising fears of a broader regional escalation and unsettling global financial markets.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, described Iran’s new leader as a “puppet of the Revolutionary Guards”, referring to the elite military force spearheading Tehran’s operations.
Speaking at a press conference late Thursday, Netanyahu said Khamenei could not appear publicly and suggested he may have been wounded during an Israeli strike.
“He cannot show his face in public”, Netanyahu said, hinting that Israel may continue targeting Iran’s leadership.
Netanyahu also suggested that Israel’s sustained strikes could weaken Iran’s ruling system and potentially pave the way for political change, although he said such an outcome would ultimately depend on the Iranian people.
“I say to the Iranian people: The moment when you can walk out into freedom is drawing ever closer,” he said.
The Israeli leader reiterated that the objective of the nearly two-week-long war, launched with the support of the United States, was to deliver “lethal blows” to Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes and prevent Tehran from concealing them in underground facilities. He also claimed that Israel had killed a senior Iranian nuclear scientist during the conflict but did not disclose further details.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
