U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that the CIA briefed him regarding allegations that Mojtaba Khamenei, who has recently taken over as Iran's Supreme Leader, is purportedly gay.
During an interview with Fox News, Trump stated he had received information from intelligence officials about the claims focused on Khamenei, the son of the previous Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
When asked if the CIA was behind this assessment, Trump responded, "They did say that, but I don't know if it was only them."
He continued by saying, "I think a lot of people are saying that, which puts [Khamenei] off to a bad start in that particular country."
Trump has previously characterized Khamenei as a 'lightweight' and considered him an 'unacceptable' figure to lead Iran, highlighting his dismissive attitude towards the new leader.
Earlier reports from the New York Post indicated that U.S. intelligence suspected Khamenei had been in a long-term relationship with a male childhood tutor.
Moreover, Trump used the opportunity to criticize Western advocates for Palestine, directing his comments towards feminist and LGBTQ+ supporters.
"I sort of have to smile to myself when I see people trying to defend the Palestinian regime for women," he noted.
He questioned the legitimacy of LGBTQ+ supporters for Palestine, stating, "When I look at 'Gays for Palestine'… they kill gays. And I'm saying, who are the 'Gays for Palestine'?"
While U.S. intelligence does not possess concrete photographic evidence to substantiate claims regarding Khamenei's alleged sexual orientation, sources maintain that the information is deemed credible at high levels of government.
A source informed the New York Post that the allegation derived from one of the government's most protected sources. The escalation of the information to senior officials indicates a level of confidence in its credibility.
Additionally, CBS News referenced concerns expressed by Khamenei's late father regarding unspecified 'issues' in his son’s personal life during discussions about a successor.
There have been perceptions of uncertainty about Khamenei's sexuality among senior officials, which were reportedly used by certain factions to attempt to obstruct his ascent to power.
In Iran, homosexuality remains illegal, and same-sex relations can result in severe penalties.
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