On Thursday, President Donald Trump supported reports from U.S. intelligence alleging that Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, may be gay. This information was revealed during an interview on Fox News’ “The Five.”
Anchor Jesse Watters bluntly asked Trump, “Did the CIA tell you that Ayatollah Jr is gay?” to which Trump confirmed: “Well, they did say that.” He added that rumors about Khamenei were widespread, suggesting it could hinder his authority in Iran.
The topic reportedly caused laughter among Trump and his aides when first presented in a private briefing. According to two U.S. intelligence officials, this unverified claim was part of an extensive discussion at the White House.
This allegation gains context as Iran strictly punishes homosexuality, with accusations against the regime for executing gay individuals while allowing state-sanctioned gender transition procedures.
The intelligence claims suggest that Khamenei has engaged in a long-term sexual relationship with a male tutor. One official described the sourcing of this claim as coming from a highly confidential source.
Another allegation suggests Khamenei made “aggressive” advances toward male caregivers during his recovery from injuries caused by recent airstrikes.
At 56, Khamenei took power on March 8, succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His rise faced considerable internal opposition.
A source indicated that suspicions regarding Khamenei’s sexuality circulated to undermine his ascent. Previous reports have also emerged through diplomatic leaks, with a 2008 cable noting that he sought medical treatment in the UK for impotence.
The leaked document stated he married around age 30 due to treatment for this issue. It further revealed that after multiple medical visits, his wife, Zahra, became pregnant.
Tragically, Khamenei’s wife and their teenage son were killed in the same airstrike that claimed his father’s life, leaving him with another son and a daughter.
In this recent interview, Trump refrained from sidestepping the topic, noting the disproportionate support he has received from gay voters. He referenced his campaign’s use of the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.” as a nod to his popularity.
The administration remains focused on negotiations, seeking resolutions to ongoing military operations against Iran, emphasizing the need for Tehran to cease nuclear enrichment and facilitate global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has labeled Khamenei an “unacceptable” leader, indicating he is unlikely to yield after years of being a key figure under his father’s rule.
