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// DOSSIER — trump-claims-iran-supreme-leader-wounded
Trump Claims Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is Alive but Seriously Wounded
REL_TIME: 27 Aug 2026 08:42Z · LANG: EN
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive but 'very seriously wounded' on the left side of his body, including his arm and leg, following the February 28, 2026, US-Israeli airstrikes that killed his father, Ali Khamenei. Despite Mojtaba's six-month absence from public view, which has fueled rumors of his death or brain-death, Trump dismissed these claims, arguing that Iranian officials' constant references to consulting him indicate he is still alive. Trump also predicted a swift end to the war, claiming the Strait of Hormuz is open and mines have been cleared, though Iran disputes this. Meanwhile, the US has launched 'Operation Economic Outcast' to economically isolate Tehran, while regional actors like Qatar and Oman attempt diplomatic mediation.
// Background
The conflict escalated on February 28, 2026, when joint US-Israeli airstrikes (Operation Epic Fury) targeted Tehran, killing Iran's long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and wounding his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. A 14-point framework memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Islamabad on June 17, 2026, but crumbled after subsequent maritime attacks. In Mojtaba's total public absence, power has de facto shifted to a coalition of IRGC commanders and political figures, including parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Dr. Mohsen Rezaei, and General Ahmad Vahidi.
// Key Developments
- US President Donald Trump claims Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei survived the February 2026 airstrikes but sustained severe injuries to his left arm and leg.
- Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance since succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the February 28, 2026, US-Israeli strikes.
- Trump predicts the war with Iran will end 'fairly soon' and claims the US Navy successfully cleared mines and reopened the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran denies.
- The US Treasury launched 'Operation Economic Outcast,' a sweeping sanctions campaign described as the 'economic asphyxiation' of the Iranian government.
- Analysts suggest the IRGC and other political figures are running Iran in Mojtaba's physical absence, using his name as a symbolic figurehead to maintain legitimacy.
// Timeline
-
US carries out a successful military operation in Venezuela, which Trump later references as a precursor to victory in Iran.
-
US and Israeli airstrikes (Operation Epic Fury) kill Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and severely wound his son Mojtaba, initiating the war.
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Trump receives a CIA briefing on intelligence regarding Mojtaba Khamenei.
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A temporary ceasefire is established between the warring parties.
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US and Iran sign a 14-point framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar.
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The June ceasefire and MoU crumble after Iranian forces attack commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
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Iranian media releases undated archive footage of Mojtaba Khamenei to dispel rumors of his death.
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The US administration launches 'Operation Economic Outcast,' a sweeping sanctions campaign against Iran.
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President Trump publicly asserts that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive but severely wounded, while claiming the Strait of Hormuz is fully open.
// Perspectives
[Donald Trump (US President)]
Asserts that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive but severely wounded, the US is winning the war, the Strait of Hormuz is open, and maximum economic/military pressure will force a victory.
[Iranian Government / IRGC]
Maintains that Mojtaba Khamenei is alive and healthy, insists the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US honors the June framework agreement, and vows inevitable retaliation.
[Regional Mediators (Qatar and Oman)]
Advocating for de-escalation, dialogue, and establishing an interim framework to restore commercial shipping and freedom of navigation.
// Quotes
“I don't think he's dead. He was very seriously wounded. The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing.”
“It is very difficult to communicate with him at the moment, but in any case, his presence is a very great source of strength for us so that we can continue.”
“The center of political gravity has shifted from turbaned clerics to the Revolutionary Guards... Mojtaba was chosen by those same IRGC officers to project continuity. Nothing more.”
