Trump confirms Iran’s new leader’s sexuality, says ‘its a bad start’

US President Donald Trump has claimed that intelligence officials informed him Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is gay, joking that the revelation leaves him “off to a bad start” in the hardline Islamic republic.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the CIA had briefed him on the claim, which concerns the son of former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. “They did say that, but I don’t know if it was only them,” Trump said. “I think a lot of people are saying that, which puts [Khamenei] off to a bad start in that particular country.”

Trump has previously criticized Khamenei as a “lightweight” and an “unacceptable” choice to lead Iran. Earlier reports suggested US intelligence believed Khamenei had a long-term relationship with a male tutor during his youth.

The president also used the interview to take aim at Western supporters of Palestine and activist groups, including LGBTQ+ organisations, questioning their stance given Iran’s and other regimes’ treatment of gay individuals.

While US intelligence does not have photographic proof of Khamenei’s alleged sexuality, sources describe the information as credible, derived from highly protected government sources and elevated to senior officials for review.

CBS News previously reported that Khamenei’s late father expressed concerns about unspecified “issues” in his son’s personal life during succession considerations.

Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and can carry severe penalties, including the death sentence. Some reports indicate that gender reassignment surgery is permitted in the country, but rights groups note many are pressured into procedures to avoid prosecution.

Khamenei’s personal life has been partially documented before. A 2008 US diplomatic cable, later published by WikiLeaks, indicated he had sought treatment in the UK for impotence and married around age 30 due to the condition. Following treatment, his wife became pregnant after an additional two-month stay abroad.