U.S. President Donald Trump has cast doubt on whether Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive. Speaking in a 30-minute phone interview with NBC News on Saturday, Trump noted that the leader has not made a public appearance since assuming power.
"I don't know if Mojtaba is alive or not," Trump said during the interview. "So far, no one has been able to provide proof of his presence."
The President claimed to have heard reports suggesting the Supreme Leader may have died, though he later characterized these accounts as "rumors." Trump added that if Mojtaba is alive, he should take a "smart" step for his country and surrender.
The speculation follows reports that Mojtaba Khamenei may have been injured during the military strikes on February 28 that killed his father, Ali Khamenei. While Iranian state media has referred to the new leader as a "wounded veteran," he has yet to appear on camera, releasing only written statements.
When asked about a preferred successor for Iran, Trump declined to name individuals but stated that the U.S. is aware of "great leaders" who could guide the country's future.
Regarding diplomatic tensions, Trump noted that while Iran appears interested in a deal, he is not ready to negotiate. "The terms are not good enough yet," he told NBC.
