President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he does not believe Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is dead, despite reports suggesting he may have died or suffered severe brain injuries.
“He was very seriously wounded, but I don’t think he’s dead,” Trump said in an interview with conservative commentator Glenn Beck.
Trump added that if Khamenei were dead, Iranian officials were “putting on a pretty good show” by continuing to consult him over major decisions.
Khamenei, the son of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was selected to become Iran’s new leader after his father was killed during Operation Epic Fury in February, according to the supplied report.
The younger Khamenei has not appeared publicly or in photographs since then. Trump said he had suffered serious injuries during the strikes, particularly to the left side of his body.
Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint
Trump’s comments came as efforts to resolve the conflict remain stalled.
Direct US-Iran talks have not resumed, while Iran and Oman continue discussions over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran has insisted that the US lift its naval blockade of the strategic waterway before it can fully reopen.
Trump, however, said the strait is currently “functioning” and claimed US ships are moving through it.
“The mines are gone,” Trump said, adding that occasional drones or rockets are still being targeted.
Shipping trackers have reported increased oil shipments through the waterway in recent weeks, although traffic remains well below prewar levels.
