Donald Trump was reportedly surprised during a recent news briefing when US officials presented information suggesting that Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei may be gay, according to a New York Post report.
Citing intelligence community officials and a person close to the White House, the news outlet said Trump reacted with visible amusement during the briefing.
“Trump couldn’t contain his surprise and laughed out loud when he was informed of the information,” sources said, according to the report.
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One senior intelligence official reportedly found the claim “hilarious” and continued to discuss it days later, the report added.
Intelligence sources say the allegation is believed to be credible
According to a Post report, three sources said U.S. spy agencies view the claims as credible rather than disinformation intended to undermine Iran’s leader.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was chosen to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, who died earlier this month. He was reportedly selected on March 8.
Citing two sources, the portal said that intelligence indicated that Mojtaba had maintained a long-term relationship with a childhood teacher. Another source said the relationship involved a person who previously worked for the Khamenei family.
US spy agencies reportedly do not possess photographic evidence of the alleged relationship. However, one source told the publication that the information was “derived from one of the most protected sources the government has.”
“The fact that it has been elevated to the highest of the high levels shows you that there is some confidence in it,” the second source said.
Rumors swirled in Iran before the leadership change
According to a New York Post report, speculation about Mojtaba Khamenei’s sexuality has been circulating in Iran for some time.
Sources told the newspaper that whispers about his personal life intensified after the May 2024 helicopter crash that killed Ebrahim Raisi, who was widely seen as a potential successor to the elder Khamenei.
However, information remained tightly restricted within the US government.
“It was very carefully guarded information,” one insider told the publication.
Another source said the elder Khamenei and other figures in Iran were concerned about Mojtab’s suitability to rule because of alleged problems in his personal life.
Iran’s strict laws on homosexuality
The allegations drew attention because homosexuality is illegal in Iran under the Islamic Republic’s laws.
According to human rights groups, same-sex relationships in the country can carry severe penalties, including the death penalty for certain crimes. The Iranian government allows sex reassignment surgeries.
Air raid injury
The report also said Mojtaba Khamenei may have been injured in the February 28 airstrike that killed his father and several family members.
Citing sources, The New York Post reported that he allegedly made “aggressive” advances toward male caregivers while in recovery, possibly while on heavy medication.
His current whereabouts and recovery status remain unclear.
Political tensions remain high
Donald Trump has previously criticized Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly calling him a “lightweight” and “unacceptable” leader for Iran.
Iran’s new supreme leader is widely seen as unlikely to compromise on Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, issues that have stoked tensions between Iran and the United States.
The change in leadership came after an airstrike reportedly killed Ali Khamenei along with members of his family, including Mojtab’s wife Zahra and teenage son Mohammad Bagher.
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