Washington, March 13 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he believes Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may still be alive despite not appearing publicly since assuming the position after the war in Iran began.
Speaking in an interview with Brian Kilmeade scheduled to air Friday on The Brian Kilmeade Show, Trump said he believed the Iranian leader had likely survived reports of injuries.
“I think he’s hurt, but I think he’s probably still alive,” Trump said, according to Fox News.
Trump’s comments came hours after Iran’s new supreme leader made his first public remarks, reportedly vowing to continue fighting.
Reports had previously suggested that Khamenei may have suffered serious injuries and possibly fallen into a coma following strikes that killed his father during an attack on a compound in Tehran on February 28.
Trump also warned about Iran’s military capabilities and threats toward neighboring countries in the Middle East. He said Iran possessed “1,200 missiles directed at these countries,” adding that, without U.S. action, Tehran could have dominated the region.
“They would have controlled the Middle East, and they would have controlled everything,” Trump said.
Addressing maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Trump said vessels transiting the waterway should not fear Iranian threats.
“They go through the Strait of Hormuz and show some guts,” Trump said, adding, “There’s nothing to be afraid of. They have no navy, and we sunk all their ships.”
The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is entering its second week, with reciprocal airstrikes spreading to other Arab and Middle Eastern countries.
