Trump Laughs Over Report Alleging Iran’s Leader Khamenei May be Gay
U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly reacted with laughter after being briefed on intelligence claims suggesting that the new Iranian supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be gay, according to a report by the New York Post.
The newspaper reported on Monday that Trump struggled to contain his laughter during a briefing by senior officials who relayed allegations about Mojtaba Khamenei’s personal life.
The report claimed that Khamenei, who was said to be receiving medical care after injuries allegedly sustained during U.S.–Israeli airstrikes, had made advances toward male caregivers while under heavy medication.
The publication quoted a source as saying Khamenei “has made ‘aggressive’ sexual overtures to men caring for him, possibly while under the influence of heavy medication.”
However, the report noted that there is no concrete evidence, such as photographs or videos, to support the allegation.
U.S. intelligence officials were nevertheless said to have treated the tip as credible because it allegedly came from what was described as “one of the most protected sources that the government has.”
According to the report, rumours about Mojtaba Khamenei’s sexuality had previously circulated within political circles and were said to have concerned his father, Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader.
A source cited by the newspaper said suspicions about Mojtaba’s sexual orientation were sometimes spread among political figures in attempts to block his potential succession.
The report added that several officials present during the briefing joined Trump in laughing at the claims, particularly because homosexuality is outlawed in Iran and punishable by severe penalties.
Speculation about Mojtaba Khamenei’s personal life reportedly resurfaced after the death of former Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in 2024, which triggered discussions about possible successors to Iran’s leadership.
The WikiLeaks archive of U.S. diplomatic cables also previously mentioned Mojtaba Khamenei, noting claims that he married relatively late and reportedly sought medical treatment in London before having children.
The New York Post further reported that some officials within the U.S. administration had attempted to limit the spread of the claims, while others argued that the issue was politically relevant given Iran’s strict laws against homosexuality.
Trump was also quoted as dismissing Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership potential, reportedly describing the 56-year-old as a “lightweight” who could not lead Iran.
The report added that the United States had announced a reward of up to $10 million for information on the whereabouts of Mojtaba Khamenei and other senior figures in the Iranian leadership.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
