US President Donald Trump said he believes Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive, although he may have been seriously injured during recent strikes in Tehran.

Trump made the remarks during an interview on the Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio. The interview, recorded on Thursday and scheduled to air on Friday morning, comes amid growing speculation about Khamenei’s health after he has not appeared publicly since the war began.

“I think he probably is. I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form,” Trump said.

Reports Of Severe Injuries

Speculation about Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition intensified after reports suggested he was injured during US-Israeli strikes on a compound in Tehran on February 28. The attack reportedly killed his father, Iran’s long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

A report by The Sun claimed the 56-year-old cleric may have lost at least one leg and suffered serious injuries to his stomach or liver in the strike. The report also said several members of his family, including his wife, a sister, and a niece, were killed in the attack.

Ambassador Says He Was Injured

Earlier this week, Iranian ambassador Alireza Salarian said Khamenei had been wounded during the opening phase of the conflict.

“I have heard that he was injured in his legs and hand and arm… I think he is in the hospital because he is injured,” Salarian said.

First Statement Since Taking Office

Despite the reports, Mojtaba Khamenei recently issued his first public message since assuming leadership, signalling that Iran would continue its confrontation with the United States and Israel.

“We will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs,” he said in the statement.

Khamenei also suggested Iran could close the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and continue attacks on Gulf Arab states as part of its response to the conflict. He further called on citizens in Gulf countries to “shut down” US bases, claiming American protection in the region was “nothing more than a lie.”

Questions Remain About His Condition

Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the start of the war. His recent message was released only as a written statement and was not delivered in person or through a recorded video, adding to speculation about his health.