Trump Confirms Mojtaba Khamenei Is Still Alive

Assessing Mojtaba Khamenei’s Medical Status and Public Absence

Mojtaba Khamenei has remained largely out of public view since taking over leadership from his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died during the initial waves of U.S. and Israeli bombardment in February 2026, according to Ntvnews.id. This prolonged absence, combined with the rising influence of veteran figures from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) within the government, has fueled intense international speculation about whether the new Supreme Leader is dead or lacks full control, as noted by Kompas.

Weighing in on these persistent rumors during his interview with Glenn Beck, Trump stated, according to AFP: “I think he’s not dead. He’s hurt very badly. The left side of his body, arm, leg, everything. He’s hurt very badly. But I don’t think he’s dead.” State media in Iran have attempted to push back against claims of critical illness. Mehr News Agency previously released a video showing Mojtaba leading a religious academic discussion among clerics. The footage, serving as the second video appearance of the Iranian leader released in August 2026, depicted him looking physically fit and speaking clearly without any visible signs of severe injury, though the exact recording date was not disclosed.

Military Pressure and the Status of the Strait of Hormuz

While the leadership question remains opaque, Trump maintained that ongoing military and economic pressure against Tehran is yielding tangible results, telling listeners that these efforts are “leading to a massive victory” and that Washington will “have a big victory right here very soon,” as cited by AFP. The U.S. administration has repeatedly claimed victory in the broader conflict, despite facing persistent hurdles in forcing Iran to relinquish its nuclear material or fully restore maritime security in the region.

A central point of contention involves the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian military actions have previously disrupted and largely blocked commercial shipping lanes. Contradicting reports of ongoing danger, Trump insisted that the crucial waterway is completely open. “You can really say, you know, because that Strait is open. We’re taking a lot of ships through that Strait now. We’re bringing them in. The mines are gone,” Trump told Glenn Beck, according to Al Arabiya’s coverage.

The Central Dispute Over Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

Beyond regional transit lanes, Trump reiterated that halting Tehran’s pursuit of atomic weapons remains the primary objective of U.S. strategy in the conflict. He emphasized that the nuclear issue constitutes the vast majority of the diplomatic and military confrontation.

“We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s the bottom line. That’s 99.9 percent of it. We cannot let them because they’re crazy and they’ll use it,” Trump stated, adding that he had previously stopped the program twice, according to Ntvnews.id.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?

Mojtaba Khamenei is the Supreme Leader of Iran, having taken over power following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in February 2026.

What did Donald Trump say about Mojtaba Khamenei’s health?

According to interviews with Glenn Beck reported by AFP and Kompas, Trump stated that he believes Mojtaba is still alive despite suffering severe injuries to the left side of his body, arm, and leg during earlier military strikes.

Is the Strait of Hormuz currently open to shipping?

While U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open and cleared of sea mines, Iranian military forces have previously disrupted and largely blocked maritime traffic through the vital trade route.

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