Donald Trump Says Mojtaba Khamenei Is Not Dead, Claims Iran Supreme Leader Was ‘Very Seriously Wounded’ (Video)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, August 26, said he believes Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, while claiming that Khamenei was “very seriously wounded” in the strike that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump’s comments came amid continued speculation over the Iranian leader’s health and whereabouts.

Speaking in a telephone interview with radio host Glenn Beck, Trump said he did not believe Khamenei had died but described serious injuries to the left side of his body. Khamenei has maintained a low public profile since becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader, adding to questions about his condition. Donald Trump Says Mines Cleared From Strait of Hormuz, Warns Iran Against Laying New Ones.

Donald Trump Believes Mojtaba Khamenei Is Not Dead

Donald Trump Says Mojtaba Khamenei Is Not Dead

“I don't think he is dead. He was very seriously wounded. The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing, but I don't think he is dead,” Trump said in a telephonic interview with radio host Glenn Beck. Trump also suggested that Iranian authorities could be concealing his condition if he is no longer alive.

The US president added that if the Supreme Leader is indeed not alive, “they (Iran) are putting on a very good show.” He also said: “It's not the most honorable group, I will tell you that... We're going to have a big victory here very soon.” Trump’s latest comments differ from the uncertainty he expressed earlier in the year over Khamenei’s status. In March, Trump said it was unclear whether the newly appointed Iranian leader was alive after reports that he had been injured. Donald Trump Reshares ‘NEW US Territory’ Graphic of Strait of Hormuz as Tensions With Iran Escalate.

Why Mojtaba Khamenei’s Whereabouts Matter

Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, according to reports. Since taking over, his limited public appearances have fuelled speculation about his health.

However, reports in August have included footage attributed to Mojtaba. Iranian state-controlled media released an undated video earlier this month showing him surrounded by several people. The footage did not establish when or where it was recorded.   A separate report published Tuesday said another rare video had emerged in which Mojtaba could be seen and heard. That footage was also reported to be undated.

Earlier Reports Pointed To Serious Injuries

Reports following the February strike indicated that Mojtaba had suffered serious injuries. Trump has previously described him as badly injured, while Iranian officials have offered differing accounts of his condition. In March, an Iranian official told Reuters that Mojtaba had been lightly injured and remained operational, while Iranian state television described him as war-wounded. The conflicting accounts have contributed to continued uncertainty over the Iranian leadership.

Iran Has Released Limited Public Material

Mojtaba has not maintained the kind of regular public visibility normally associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader. His communications have instead largely emerged through written statements or state-linked media.

A rare video released by Iran in August showed him apparently taking part in a meeting, but the footage was not dated. Iranian media said he had met President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss domestic challenges and the military conflict with the United States. The limited nature of the available material means that the precise extent of Mojtaba’s injuries remains difficult to independently establish.

Donald Trump Predicts ‘Big Victory’

Trump’s remarks also came as the United States continues its confrontation with Iran. The president said: “We're going to have a big victory here very soon.”

His latest assessment of Mojtaba’s condition, however, remains a statement of belief rather than independently verified confirmation. Publicly available reports and footage have not provided a definitive account of the Iranian leader’s current health.

The situation remains closely watched because Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition and ability to exercise authority could have implications for Iran’s leadership and its ongoing conflict with the United States.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 07:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).