Trump says he's 'hearing' Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is 'not alive'
US President Trump publicly stated he is 'hearing' that Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is 'not alive,' in comments reported by Fox News on March 16. The claim is unconfirmed by Iran or independent sources. Mojtaba Khamenei, who was named supreme leader on March 9 following his father Ali Khamenei's assassination, was confirmed injured and reportedly placed in a medically induced coma after the same strike that killed his father. Trump also declared Iran's military 'decimated,' claiming the US has wiped out Iran's air defenses.
Actor responses
IDF had no immediate comment on Trump's claim about Mojtaba Khamenei's status.
Trump: 'I'm hearing Iran's new supreme leader is not alive.' Trump also declared Iran's military 'decimated' with no remaining air defense capability.
Iran has not issued a formal response to Trump's claim that Mojtaba Khamenei is 'not alive.' Iranian state media has not confirmed or denied.
Kremlin spokesman Peskov called Trump's claim 'unverified speculation' and 'destabilising' — urging Washington to 'present evidence before making statements that could inflame an already volatile situation.'
Sources
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No, this is not true. Mojtaba Khamenei was officially named Iran's new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts on March 8-9, 2026, after his father Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes. No Iranian announcement says Mojtaba is dead. As of March 12, state media reported his first written message calling for resistance. Reports note possible injury but confirm he's alive and leading. The video appears to be unrelated strike footage.
Trump says Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is 'probably alive' but may be 'damaged' https://nypost.com/2026/03/13/us-news/trump-says-irans-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-is-probably-alive-but-may-be-damaged/?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=nypost&utm_medium=social
Iran's New Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, Reportedly 'In A Coma And Has Lost A Leg. Reports regarding the health of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, are currently conflicting. While some outlets have reported he is in a coma with amputated legs, other sources claim his injuries are less severe. Some media reports, citing unnamed sources, claim Mojtaba Khamenei is in a coma at Sina University Hospital in Tehran. These reports allege he has lost at least one leg and suffered critical internal damage to his liver or stomach due to an airstrike. Iranian officials and state media maintain he is alive and continuing to lead. A written statement attributed to him was read by a state television anchor on March 12, 2026, though he has not appeared in person, fueling further speculation. Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts on March 8, 2026, following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in late February and he has not made a public appearance since his appointment, which analysts suggest is due to ongoing security threats from the U.S. and Israel, who have identified him as a target.
🚨Update: Already Dead? Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has NOT made any public appearances since Sunday, March 8, 2026 (March 8, the day of his appointment as Iran’s new Supreme Leader was announced that day following his father’s death in late February)! No public appearances, statements or any sightings. He was reported ‘wounded’ days ago. Is he Dead, and Iran has appointed a new Supreme Leader in secret??
Mojtaba Khamenei, the powerful son of Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is alive and favored to emerge as his father's successor, two Iranian sources told Reuters https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-assault-iran-ahead-schedule-says-us-middle-east-commander-2026-03-04/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=twitter