Mojtaba Khamenei 'probably alive', says Trump as questions swirl about new supreme leader's wellbeing
Donald Trump has weighed in on the wellbeing of new Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei amid growing questions about his health and whereabouts.
Khamenei has not been seen since he was elevated to the top role following his father's assassination, but issued a statement overnight.
Speaking to Fox Radio following that statement, the US president was asked if he thought Khamenei was actually alive.
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Mojtaba Khamenei hasn't been seen since the airstrikes began two weeks ago. AP
"I think he probably is," Trump said.
"I think he is damaged, but I think he's probably alive in some form, you know."
The supreme leader's statement was read out on Iranian state television by a news anchor.
"We will not refrain from avenging the blood of your martyrs," the statement addressed to the Iranian people read.
"The popular demand is to continue our effective defence and make the enemy regret! The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used."
Israeli intelligence has said they believe Khamenei was injured in the bomb strike that killed his father, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
This was backed up by comments made by Iran's ambassador to Cyprus, Alireza Salarian.
"I have heard that he was injured in his legs and hand and arm," Salarian said.
"I think he is in the hospital because he is injured."
The strike also killed the new supreme leader's wife, sister, brother-in-law, infant niece and son.
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Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen to replace his father. AP
It was widely reported his mother was also killed, but Iranian state media denied the claims overnight.
There is good reason why the Iranian regime would seek to keep Khamenei's whereabouts and wellbeing under wraps.
The US and Israeli governments have indicated they will continue their military strikes, including another decapitation strike against Iran's leaders.
And if he is in a serious condition, the regime would still want to project strength from their leader.
Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani made it clear Khamenei's condition "has not been reported as critical".
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Donald Trump said he thinks Khamenei is "probably alive". AP
"Despite this incident, he continues to provide full authoritative guidance and oversight of the operations, and all actions and attacks are carried out with his direct permission and orders," Larijani said.
Former crown prince and leading opposition figure Reza Pahlavi's response to the ayatollah's statement came with some doubt.
"Whether it was Mojtaba Khamenei or his IRGC handlers, the first statement from the current regime's new leader confirms what the Iranian people have known all along: the Islamic Republic is incapable of change.
"Terror and repression are in its DNA.
"This latest statement promises only to continue the same insatiable bloodlust and chaos that has held our nation and the world hostage for decades."
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