Trump Claims Iran's Recently Appointed Supreme Leader Survived but Suffered Harm

US President Donald Trump expressed his belief that new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is likely alive, albeit "damaged", despite not being seen by the public since his selection on Sunday by a clerical assembly.

n

Khamenei's absence from public view has been notable, with his first comments being read out by a television presenter on Thursday, sparking speculation about his well-being.

n

President Trump shared his thoughts on Khamenei's status during an interview on Fox News' "The Brian Kilmeade Show", stating "I think he probably is (alive), I think he is damaged, but I think he's probably alive in some form, you know".

n

Trump's remarks were published by Fox News late on Thursday, offering a glimpse into the US President's assessment of the situation surrounding the new Iranian Supreme Leader.

n

In his first comments, Khamenei vowed to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and called on neighboring countries to shut down US bases on their territory, warning that failure to do so would make them targets for Iran.

n

The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting Iran to retaliate with strikes on Israel and Gulf countries hosting US bases, as the conflict approached its two-week mark.

n

The war has resulted in thousands of fatalities and significant disruption to financial markets, yet the leaders of Iran, Israel, and the United States remain resolute, pledging to continue fighting.