Trump Says CIA Told Him Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei is Gay

President Donald Trump said Thursday that U.S. intelligence officials had briefed him on allegations circulating about Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, remarks he made during an interview on Fox News’ The Five. Asked by host Jesse Watters about a New York Post report published earlier this month regarding Khamenei’s sexual orientation, Trump said the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had raised the issue with him but suggested the information was not limited to a single source.

“They did say that (he is gay), but I don’t know if it was only them,” Trump said.

“I think a lot of people are saying that, which puts him off to a bad start in that particular country.” What to Know The New York Post reported March 16 that U.S. intelligence agencies believe Khamenei’s late father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had concerns about his son’s suitability to lead Iran because of his personal life. The tabloid cited unnamed sources who said U.S. intelligence assessed that Mojtaba Khamenei had a long‑term relationship with a man.

U.S. intelligence agencies do not publicly comment on personal allegations involving foreign leaders. Trump went on to note that homosexuality is criminalized in Iran, where same‑sex relationships can carry severe penalties under the country’s laws. He then pivoted to criticizing Western activists who support Palestinians, saying that Iran and groups aligned with it repress women and LGBTQ people.

“I sort of have to smile to myself when I see people trying to defend the Palestinian regime for women — women for Palestine,” Trump said.

“But they kill women if you don’t wear a certain cloth all over your face.”

He added, “When I look at ‘Gays for Palestine,’ but they kill gays… and I’m saying, who are the ‘Gays for Palestine?’” The remarks come on the same day that Trump warned Iran it would face devastating attacks unless it accepts a 15‑point White House peace plan, potentially through indirect talks brokered by Pakistan. Pakistan’s top diplomat said negotiations were underway as military operations and rhetoric continued to escalate across the region.

Iran has denied taking part in any talks, despite mediation efforts by Egypt and other countries, and has tightened its grip on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, using the vital shipping route as leverage over the global economy. Israel has said it will continue its military campaign.

Meanwhile, Trump announced a 10‑day pause on U.S. strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure on Thursday, saying the move came at Tehran’s request and insisting that back‑channel talks are progressing despite public denials and political noise surrounding the negotiations. This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.

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