U.S. President Donald Trump addressed overnight reports regarding the fate of Mojtaba Khamenei during an interview with Glenn Beck on Wednesday, expressing skepticism toward claims that he had been eliminated. According to Trump, Khamenei suffered severe injuries to his arm and leg but is believed to remain alive. The President added that if he is dead, the Iranian regime is doing an impressive job pretending otherwise. During the conversation, Trump projected confidence regarding the trajectory of the ongoing war against Iran, forecasting an imminent American triumph while asserting that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues despite regional security threats.
“Severely Wounded in His Arm and Leg”
Weighing in on contradictory reports surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei’s status following targeted strikes against the Iranian leadership, Trump offered his direct assessment: “I don’t think Khamenei is dead. He’s very wounded, in the hand and in the leg. I don’t think he’s dead, but if he is dead—they’re doing a good job of making it look like he’s alive.” The President struck an optimistic tone regarding the strategic outcome of the conflict, drawing a direct parallel to Washington’s actions in Latin America: “We had a victory in Venezuela and we’re going to have a victory here, in Iran, very soon.”
Hormuz Navigation and Diplomatic Maneuvering
Addressing security in the Strait of Hormuz—the vital global energy artery that has served as a primary theater of conflict—Trump dismissed claims of total maritime disruption: “We got rid of the mines. But the strait, it’s functioning, it’s a functioning strait. Yeah, every now and then a drone is fired or a missile or something like that, but it’s a very functioning strait. A lot of oil is pouring out.”
Trump’s remarks coincided with announcements from Tehran and Muscat claiming preliminary bilateral understandings regarding the division of regulatory oversight and revenues in the waterway. An IRGC spokesperson confirmed the talks with Oman but accused Washington of obstructing a comprehensive agreement. Despite Iranian-Omani discussions regarding transit corridors through shared territorial waters, full maritime reopening remains contingent upon Washington’s strategic terms and persistent economic pressure on the regime.