Trump Says Mojtaba Khamenei Isn’t Dead, But ‘Very Seriously Wounded’ as Iran War Drags On

August 27, 2026

Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he believes Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is still alive but was “very seriously wounded” during ongoing military operations, as the war between the United States and Iran continues.

“I don’t think he’s dead. He was very seriously wounded,” Trump said in an interview with conservative broadcaster Glenn Beck.

“The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing, he was very seriously wounded. But I don’t think he’s dead,” he added.

Trump did not provide evidence to support his assessment of Khamenei’s condition. He also suggested that Iranian officials continue to speak about consulting the Supreme Leader.

Trump Says Khamenei May Still Be Alive

Trump said that if Khamenei were dead, Iranian officials were maintaining the appearance that he remained involved in decision-making.

“And if he is, they’re putting on a pretty good show because they talk about, you know, going back to talk to him all the time, you know, to get a final blessing on things,” Trump said.

Khamenei’s condition has remained the subject of speculation amid his limited public appearances. Iranian media recently released footage purportedly showing him, though the authenticity and timing of some of the footage has been questioned by outside reports.

Trump Predicts Iran War Could End ‘Fairly Soon’

Trump also said he believes the war with Iran could end “fairly soon”, while continuing to praise US military and economic pressure on Tehran.

His remarks came as Washington continues to push for greater pressure on Iran and amid renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

Trump has separately said that he has no fixed timeline for Iran to return to negotiations, telling Al Jazeera that he is “not in a hurry” for talks to resume.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Issue

Trump has also claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is open and that US efforts have helped restore the movement of shipping through the strategic waterway.

According to reports, Trump said 22 vessels had transited the waterway safely overnight and claimed that millions of barrels of oil had passed through the Strait.

The situation around the Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of concern as diplomatic efforts continue to address the wider US-Iran conflict.

The latest remarks come nearly six months into the conflict, with Washington continuing military and economic pressure on Tehran while regional countries push for a diplomatic resolution.