Trending Now - US Intel Reveals Khamenei's Doubts About Son as Successor

WHO:

President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, Ali Khamenei (late supreme leader of Iran), Mojtaba Khamenei (son of Ali Khamenei), Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian national security chief Ali Larijani.

WHAT:

U.S. intelligence briefed President Trump and senior officials on Ali Khamenei's concerns about his son Mojtaba's capability to lead.

Trump stated that Khamenei was “not somebody that the father even wanted.”

The U.S. offered a reward of up to $10 million for information about Mojtaba Khamenei and nine other senior Iranian officials.

Reports indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei was smuggled to Russia for medical treatment following injuries sustained during airstrikes.

WHERE:

Iran, Moscow (Russia), and the U.S. (Trump administration).

WHEN:

The intelligence briefing occurred recently, following the killing of Ali Khamenei on February 28th, 2026.

Mojtaba Khamenei was reportedly elected as the new supreme leader on March 8th, 2026.

The statement regarding Khamenei's health was read on March 12th, 2026.

WHY:

Ali Khamenei was concerned about Mojtaba's leadership capabilities and personal issues.

The U.S. believes Iran is effectively being run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

HOW:

Reports suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei was flown to Russia aboard a Russian military aircraft for medical treatment.

The intelligence assessment was shared with Trump and senior officials through sources within the administration and intelligence community.

(UPDATED March 16, 2026 11:15 UTC)

Today, President Trump received a briefing from U.S. intelligence regarding concerns raised by the late Iranian leader Ali Khamenei about his son, Mojtaba, who was recently elected as the new supreme leader. Trump remarked that Khamenei was “not somebody that the father even wanted,” as reports surfaced that Mojtaba had been smuggled to Russia for medical treatment after sustaining injuries during airstrikes. In addition, the U.S. has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information about Mojtaba and nine other senior Iranian officials, amid concerns that Iran is being effectively run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.