Trump: Iran's new supreme leader 'alive in some form'

2026-03-13 - 10:13

President Donald Trump offered an unconventional assessment of Iran's new supreme leader in a Fox News interview scheduled to air Friday, stating he believes Mojtaba Khamenei remains alive "in some form" despite being "damaged." Trump's comments add to the uncertainty surrounding the Iranian leader's condition following weeks of intense US-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. Khamenei breaks silence amid health rumors The US president's remarks followed Khamenei's first public address Thursday since assuming leadership after his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the opening wave of US-Israeli attacks on Feb. 28. In his speech, the new supreme leader signaled Iran would not back down in the conflict, but his prolonged absence from public view had fueled widespread speculation about his health and even survival following the devastating strikes that have killed more than 1,300 people. Trump challenges Hormuz fears Trump also addressed ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has threatened maritime traffic and effectively closed the strategic waterway. He suggested vessels wanting to traverse the strait should "go through the strait of Hormuz and show some guts," dismissing concerns about Iranian naval capabilities. "There's nothing to be afraid of. They have no Navy and we sunk all their ships," Trump was quoted as saying, reflecting his confidence in American military superiority despite the ongoing conflict. Conflict shows no signs of abating The war between US-Israeli forces and Iran has now entered its third week, with no end in sight. Iran has retaliated against the strikes that decapitated its leadership with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets. Trump's comments suggest the White House believes the campaign has significantly degraded Iranian military capabilities, even as questions persist about the fate of the country's new leadership.