Martina Navratilova calls Trump ‘psychopath’ over Iran strikes, hails Khamenei’s death

Navratilova blasted Trump on X for the Iran strikes, then backed reports of Khamenei’s death amid sharp debate over US–Israel military action
PUBLISHED MAR 1, 2026
Martina Navratilova has previously compared Trump’s leadership to authoritarian regimes (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for the International Tennis Hall of Fame)
Martina Navratilova has previously compared Trump’s leadership to authoritarian regimes (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for the International Tennis Hall of Fame)

WASHINGTON, DC: Tennis icon Martina Navratilova drew attention over the weekend for her strong reactions to the US and Israeli military campaign in Iran.

In posts on the social platform X, Navratilova sharply criticized President Donald Trump, calling him a “psychopath” for authorizing the strikes. Later, she responded positively to reports about Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s passing, describing it as “good news.”

Martina Navratilova of the United States makes a back hand return during the Women's Singles  Final
Martina Navratilova made a backhand return during the Women’s Singles Final (Getty Images)

Navratilova voices pointed criticism of Trump

Navratilova, who has long been outspoken on political issues, highlighted her disapproval of the president’s decisions in her X posts. She reacted to a post by Marjorie Taylor Greene criticizing the strikes, writing: “OMG… Trump is a psychopath—he totally doesn’t give a damn about how many people are affected by his decisions.” 

White House releases photos showing Donald Trump and national security advisors monitoring Iran strikes during Operation Epic Fury (@WhiteHouse/X)
White House released photos of Trump and advisors monitoring Iran strikes during Operation Epic Fury (@WhiteHouse/X)

The strikes, conducted under Operation Epic Fury, focused on Iran’s military infrastructure amid reports of potential threats to US forces and allies. Navratilova’s commentary underscores the polarized response among public figures and audiences to the escalation in the Middle East.

Reaction to Khamenei’s passing draws attention

Following early reports about Khamenei, Navratilova wrote: “That would be good news.” The passing of Iran’s long-time leader has significant strategic and geopolitical implications. Navratilova’s response demonstrates how cultural figures continue to shape public conversation about global events.

In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a meeting in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei spoke at a meeting in Tehran on Feb. 17, 2026 (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP)

Navratilova has also previously engaged in activism related to Iran. In November, she joined a coalition of athletes, including Riley Gaines, condemning the Iranian regime over legal actions against boxing champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani. She has criticized Trump in the past following US interventions abroad, emphasizing her consistent stance on executive decisions and foreign policy.

Her dual reaction to the Iran strikes highlights how prominent figures can influence cultural debates, reflecting the ongoing public discourse surrounding US military action and international diplomacy.

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