Trump: Khamenei Doubted Son’s Leadership Ability – Intel

U.S. President Donald Trump was recently briefed on intelligence indicating that the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei harbored concerns about his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, succeeding him, according to a report Sunday.

Khamenei’s Doubts About His Son

Sources familiar with the matter told CBS News that the elder Khamenei questioned Mojtaba’s suitability for leadership, perceiving him as “not very bright” and “unqualified,” and also aware of “issues in his personal life.” Mojtaba Khamenei was recently named as his father’s successor.

The report comes as the newly elected 56-year-old supreme leader has remained largely out of public view since his election last week, prompting speculation about his health or whereabouts.

Since being elected on March 8, the only public comments attributed to him have been delivered via a statement read by a television presenter on Thursday.

CBS News reported that individuals within the Trump administration, the U.S. intelligence community, and close to the president were sources for the information. Vice President JD Vance was also briefed on the intelligence, according to the report.

Trump told Fox News on Friday night that Khamenei was “not somebody that the father even wanted,” potentially referencing the intelligence he received.

According to CBS, Trump has privately expressed skepticism about the intelligence, believing Iran is “essentially leaderless” and suggesting Mojtaba, like his father, may already be deceased.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed similar sentiments on Friday, stating that Khamenei was “wounded and likely disfigured.”

On Friday, the U.S. announced a reward of up to $10 million for information on Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials.

Iran has denied any concerns regarding the new supreme leader’s well-being. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed on Sunday that Khamenei “is in excellent health” and “in control of the situation.” He added that the timing of public appearances is at his discretion.

Kuwait’s Al-Jarida news outlet reported Sunday, citing a source close to the new Iranian leader, that Khamenei was secretly transported to Moscow by Russia on Thursday for medical treatment following injuries sustained in the same airstrikes that killed his father and wife.

The report alleges that Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to facilitate Khamenei’s treatment in Russia to protect him from further attacks.

The source also claimed that Khamenei did not author or review the statement read on television last week, suggesting it may have been written by Iran’s national security chief, Ali Larijani, due to its similarity to his recent statements.