Trump Says Mojtaba Khamenei ‘Very Seriously Wounded’, ‘Not Dead’

US President Donald Trump has said Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is “very seriously wounded” but that he does not believe the Iranian leader is dead. Trump's remarks come amid months of uncertainty over Mojtaba's whereabouts and condition, with the Iranian leader largely absent from public view since taking office during the war with the US and Israel.

Speaking to conservative commentator Glenn Beck, Trump said he believed Mojtaba was still alive but had suffered severe injuries.

.@POTUS on Mojtaba Khamenei: "He was very seriously wounded, but I don't think he's dead... It's not the most honorable group, I will tell you that... We're going to have a big victory here very soon." pic.twitter.com/bqsqhH1mZw

“I don't think he's dead. He was very seriously wounded,” Trump said, describing injuries to the left side of Mojtaba's body, including his arm and leg. He also questioned the credibility of Iranian officials, saying they continued to speak as though they were consulting the Supreme Leader and seeking his approval for decisions.

Trump also said he expected the US to achieve a “big victory” in the conflict soon, adding another dramatic dimension to his comments on Iran's leadership.

Earlier reports claimed Mojtaba had been secretly flown to Moscow for medical treatment after suffering injuries during the initial strikes. Those reports said he underwent surgery in Russia, although the claims were not independently established. Moscow has subsequently indicated that Mojtaba is in Iran.

Speculation also circulated that Mojtaba had died or was incapacitated. Other reports suggested he remained alive but was seriously injured and unable to play a normal public role.

The uncertainty has been compounded by the lack of regular public appearances. Reports have also highlighted questions over how much authority Mojtaba has been able to exercise during the conflict.

Mojtaba's prolonged absence has remained a major source of speculation. He has not appeared publicly since taking over as Supreme Leader, with reports offering conflicting accounts of his health and whereabouts.

Vinita Bhat is a Chief Copy Editor at ABP Live English, with experience in TV and digital journalism. She covers geopolitics, international conflicts, global current affairs and Kashmir.

For tips and queries, write to vinitab@abpnetwork.com.