Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is seriously wounded on the left side of his body, including his arm and leg, US President Donald Trump said on August 26, 2026, while affirming Khamenei is still alive despite his injuries [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Trump said, "He was very seriously wounded. The left side of his body, the arm, the leg, the whole thing" [3]. Trump also claimed the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran will conclude "fairly soon" [3].
Mojtaba Khamenei took over as Iran's Supreme Leader about six months ago following the killing of his father Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli strikes [7, 8, 6]. Since then, Mojtaba has not publicly appeared or spoken, raising doubts about his health and ability to lead, with some Iranian hardliners and reformists expressing concern and confusion over his absence. An anonymous Basij member in Qom said, "We need to hear the leader's voice, or see any sign he is still at the top and leading the country, to feel more confident" [7]. A Tehran businessman asked, "How do we know Mojtaba isn't dead? There is no sign he is alive or involved in decisions" [7].
Iranian officials acknowledge Mojtaba exercises final decision-making authority but reportedly delegates day-to-day powers due to security concerns [7, 8]. Middle East Institute researcher Alex Vatanka noted, "The question is no longer whether Mojtaba is alive, but whether Iran still has an effectively operating Supreme Leader" [7].
On August 25, Trump said the US has successfully reopened the Strait of Hormuz, with about 10 million barrels of oil passing through and 22 vessels transiting safely overnight [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Iran and Oman are reportedly negotiating to establish a temporary shipping channel and plan mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz [2, 5, 6].
Trump said, "If he is dead, then the Iranian government is putting on a pretty good show, because they keep claiming they consult with him regularly" [3]. Despite conflicting opinions on Mojtaba's condition, Trump maintains he remains alive and in charge[s7-s12].
The situation remains fluid as Iran continues to withhold public appearances from its Supreme Leader amid ongoing conflict. The US and regional actors are monitoring developments closely. The next confirmed milestone was the oil transit reported on August 25, showing partial reopening of the critical shipping route[s7-s12].
