Trump Caught Off Guard By Intel Claim That Mojtaba Khamenei May Be Gay: Report

Last Updated:March 17, 2026, 07:49 IST

Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and can carry severe criminal penalties under the country’s laws.

US President Donald Trump was reportedly left surprised during a recent intelligence briefing after being told that American agencies believe Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be gay, the New York Post reported.

The report, citing intelligence officials and a source close to the White House, said the classified briefing took place last week and was based on assessments reviewed by US agencies. Sources claimed that Trump couldn’t contain his surprise and laughed aloud when he was briefed on the intel.

Others in the room also found it “hilarious" and joined the president’s reaction, while one senior intelligence official “has not stopped laughing about it for days," said one person familiar with the briefing.

As per the report citing sources, US intelligence agencies consider the claim to be credible rather than disinformation, though no photographic evidence has been cited. One source told the news outlet that the intelligence was derived from a highly protected source, suggesting a level of confidence within the system.

“The fact that this was elevated to the highest of high levels shows you there’s some confidence in this," another source was quoted as saying.

According to the report, US intelligence suggested Mojtaba may have had a long-term relationship with a man who served as his childhood tutor.

Two sources cited in the report said the relationship lasted for years, while another source said the alleged partner was someone who previously worked for the Khamenei family.

It further said that he had allegedly made “aggressive" advances toward male caregivers while recovering, possibly while under heavy medication.

As per the report, speculation about Mojtaba’s sexuality had circulated inside Iran for some time.

Sources told the news outlet that whispers about his personal life intensified after the May 2024 helicopter crash that killed Ebrahim Raisi, who had been widely viewed as a potential successor to the elder Khamenei.

The report also referred to past material, including a diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks, which mentioned that the Iranian cleric had travelled to the UK for medical treatment related to impotence.

According to the US State Department document cited in the report, Mojtaba married relatively late, around the age of 30, reportedly due to a medical condition that required treatment during several visits to London.

However, these claims remain unverified and have not been independently confirmed.

Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently succeeded his father Ali Khamenei as Iran’s supreme leader, has been at the centre of heightened geopolitical tensions following the leadership transition.

The allegations are particularly sensitive given that homosexuality is illegal in Iran, where same-sex relations can carry severe legal penalties under the country’s laws.

(With inputs from agencies)

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