Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Aug 27: US President Donald Trump has said he believes Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive but suffered serious injuries in American strikes, as uncertainty continues over his health and whereabouts.

Speaking during an interview with US commentator Glenn Beck on Wednesday (local time), Trump said he did not believe Mojtaba was dead. He claimed the Iranian leader had suffered severe injuries to the left side of his body, including his arm and leg.

Trump also suggested that Iran could be maintaining an elaborate deception if Mojtaba is incapacitated or has died, adding to the conflicting reports surrounding the Iranian leader's condition.

Mojtaba, 56, became Iran's Supreme Leader after his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint US-Israel strike in Tehran on February 28. However, Mojtaba has not made a public appearance since then, although Iranian authorities have periodically released videos purportedly showing him.

Trump had earlier claimed that Mojtaba had died but later retracted the statement and said he had been severely wounded.

Speculation over Mojtaba's condition intensified after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said communication with the Supreme Leader had become extremely difficult. Pezeshkian said Mojtaba's presence remained an important source of strength for the country.

Pezeshkian later met Mojtaba, although details about the location of the meeting were not disclosed. Mojtaba's office confirmed that the Iranian president had met and spoken with him.

The conflicting statements have continued to fuel speculation about Mojtaba's health and whereabouts.