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World
Donald Trump describes Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei as more rational and intelligent than his father following the 2026 attacks.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he considers Iran's new leadership to be "more rational and intelligent" after the attacks in late February 2026 that killed the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and many of his aides.
In an interview with NBC News on Sunday, Trump said that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader, assumed the position and was "part" of the approval process for the ongoing nuclear agreement negotiations. He also expressed his willingness to hold direct talks with the new Supreme Leader.
Trump explicitly said, "I would do it if he wanted to, but I have not spoken to him directly."
This shift in Trump's tone follows months of intense tension during the U.S.-Iran war, which erupted after joint strikes involving Israel. Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of these attacks, creating a rapid power vacuum that led the Assembly of Experts to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader.
Since the war began, Mojtaba Khamenei has never appeared publicly and has relied on written statements read on his behalf amid intelligence reports suggesting he suffered serious injuries.
During the interview, Trump provided detailed comments about Mojtaba Khamenei, mentioning that he is "severely injured."
He continued, "He is younger. I think he is more rational. He is injured. His injury is severe. So, there is a certain bravery in his stance. Many people, if they had such a severe injury, wouldn’t be talking about, you know, (how we are with the United States?). They would have other concerns. So, there is a certain bravery in his position. But his injury is very serious."
Trump also positively compared Mojtaba to his late father, noting that the son appears "more flexible and rational" despite difficult circumstances, while Ali Khamenei was known for his hardline positions during his 36 years in power.
When asked whether he knows the exact location of the Iranian leader or if it is inside Iran, Trump refrained from giving a definitive answer, stating, "I don’t want to say whether I know his location or not, but there is a good chance that I do."
Last Wednesday, Trump said he might meet with Mojtaba Khamenei "at some point," affirming that the new Supreme Leader is "engaged" in nuclear negotiations with the United States.
