President Donald Trump claims that Iran’s current supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is “90 percent” gone following a series of joint US-Israel airstrikes. According to a Fox News interview reported by Anadolu Agency, Trump asserts that Iran’s military capabilities, including its air force, navy, and anti-aircraft defenses, have been effectively destroyed.
Trump Claims Iranian Military Leadership Is ‘Gone’
In a recent interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump stated that Iran’s top military commanders have been killed. He characterized the state of the Iranian military as nonexistent, claiming, “They do not have a Navy. They do not have an Air Force. Everything is gone,” according to the Anadolu Agency report.
During the exchange, Trump referred to the late supreme leader as “Khomeini,” appearing to confuse Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with Ruhollah Khomeini, the revolution leader who died in 1989. Trump specifically cited the death of Ali Khamenei, which occurred during US-Israel strikes on February 28, as a turning point that left the Iranian leadership “finished.”
Did you know? Mojtaba Khamenei assumed the role of supreme leader in early March, but he has not appeared in public since his appointment.
The Status of Mojtaba Khamenei
President Trump claims that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ali Khamenei, is “90 percent gone.” This assertion comes amid reports that Mojtaba is recovering from injuries sustained during the joint US-Israel air campaign.
Mojtaba was notably absent from the multi-day funeral ceremonies for his father held across Iranian and Iraqi cities earlier this month. The burial of Ali Khamenei took place in Mashhad on July 9.
Iran’s Vow of Retaliation
Despite the claims of military collapse, Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written statement on July 10 asserting that Iran will avenge the death of his father. In a letter signed by the new leader, he described the act of revenge as a “demand of the nation” that “must be carried out.”
According to the statement, the drive for retaliation transcends individual presence. “Whether we are present or not, it will happen,” Mojtaba wrote, promising to avenge the “blood of the fallen leader” and other martyrs from the two wars. He characterized the attackers as “criminal and despicable killers.”
Comparative Analysis: US Claims vs. Iranian Response
| Source/Entity | Claimed Status of Iran | Stated Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Donald Trump | Military “vanished”; Leader “90% gone” | Demonstrate total degradation of capability |
| Mojtaba Khamenei | Leadership continues (via letter) | Mandatory national revenge |
Future Implications for Regional Stability
For more on geopolitical shifts in the Middle East, see our coverage of US-Israel strategic partnerships and regional defense frameworks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the current leader of Iran?
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ali Khamenei, was appointed supreme leader in early March.
When did Ali Khamenei die?
According to reports, Ali Khamenei died following US-Israel attacks on February 28, with his funeral concluding in Mashhad on July 9.
What did Donald Trump say about Iran’s military?
Trump claimed in a Fox News interview that Iran no longer possesses a functioning Navy, Air Force, or anti-aircraft defense system.
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