President Donald Trump expressed his belief that Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Iranian Supreme Leader following the death of his father at the onset of the conflict between the US and Israel against Iran, is alive but has suffered injuries.
Khamenei has not made a public appearance since his appointment by a clerical assembly on Sunday. His initial statements were relayed by a television presenter on Thursday.
An Iranian official informed Reuters on Wednesday that the recently appointed supreme leader sustained minor injuries but was still functional. State television referred to him as being wounded in the conflict.
“I think he probably is (alive). I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form, you know,” Trump mentioned during an interview on Fox News’ “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” with his comments being released by Fox News on Thursday.
In his inaugural remarks, Khamenei asserted his determination to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and urged neighboring nations to shut down US military bases on their soil to avoid potential targeting by Iran.
The US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory strikes from Iran on Israel and Gulf countries hosting US bases.
With casualties rising and global markets in turmoil as the conflict nears the two-week mark, the leaders of Iran, Israel, and the United States have shown steadfastness and committed to continuing the fight.
