Trump suggests 'killing' of Mojtaba Khamenei

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Monday that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been killed.

Fox News quoted Trump as saying regarding the repercussions of U.S. strikes on Iran: "Khamenei is finished, and his son is 90% finished."

He added: "They no longer have a navy, they no longer have an air force, all of that is over. Their air defenses are also over, all their leaders have been killed, and their best leaders have been killed."

Trump's remarks came as the United States continues its military operations against Iranian targets amid escalating tensions between the two countries.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was absent from his father's funeral ceremonies after being injured in the attack that killed Ali Khamenei on February 28.

Since then, he has not appeared publicly, and his presence has been limited to written statements and messages attributed to him.

The new Supreme Leader did not appear at any of the week-long funeral events, including receiving foreign delegations in Tehran, opening the Khomeini prayer hall to mourners, the funeral prayer, the main funeral ceremony in the capital, and religious ceremonies in the city of Qom.

Footage broadcast by Iranian state television showed three of Ali Khamenei's sons praying alongside political and military leaders, while Mojtaba was absent from the ceremonies.

Iranian state media at the time reported that his absence was for security reasons and that he would not participate in the funeral ceremonies.

Later, a statement attributed to Mojtaba Khamenei was published on his official channel on the Telegram app, affirming his pursuit of "revenge" for his father's killing.

Since assuming the position of Supreme Leader, written statements and messages attributed to him have continued, while his absence from public appearances persists, despite the conclusion of funeral and burial ceremonies and the beginning of a new phase in Iran's leadership.