President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that the CIA informed him Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is gay. The revelation came during an interview on Fox News’ The Five, where host Jesse Watters asked Trump about a New York Post report from earlier this month citing U.S. intelligence sources. Trump responded, "They did say that, but I don’t know if it was only them. I think a lot of people are saying that," adding that the allegation could harm Khamenei’s standing in Iran, where homosexuality is punishable by death.
Background on Khamenei’s Succession
Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in a strike during Operation Epic Fury. The younger Khamenei has not appeared publicly since the attack, with statements attributed to him read by broadcasters. Trump noted, "Nobody heard of the second supreme leader, the son. We have not heard from the son. Every once in a while, you see a statement made, but we don’t know if he’s living."
Trump’s Broader Criticism
During the interview, Trump also criticized Western activists supporting Palestinian causes, contrasting their advocacy with Iran’s repression of women and LGBTQ individuals. "I sort of have to smile to myself when I see people trying to defend the Palestinian regime for women—women for Palestine," he said. "But they kill women if you don’t wear a certain cloth all over your face." He also questioned the group Gays for Palestine, stating, "They kill gays… and I’m saying, who are the ‘Gays for Palestine?’"
Intelligence and Legal Context
The New York Post reported that U.S. intelligence agencies believe Ali Khamenei feared his son’s sexuality would make him unfit to lead. The CIA does not publicly comment on personal allegations involving foreign leaders. Iran’s laws criminalize same-sex relationships, with severe penalties, including execution.
Trump’s Iran Policy
The remarks came as Trump warned Iran of "devastating attacks" unless it accepted a proposed deal. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s top diplomat stated negotiations were underway amid ongoing military operations.