Mojtaba Khamenei issues message thanking Iraq after Trump says ‘we don’t know if he’s alive’

TEHRAN, IRAN: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has extended his gratitude to the Iraqi people and their religious leadership for their support against the United States and Israel, Iranian media reported on Sunday, March 29.

The statement marked a rare communication from the leader, whose public absence in recent weeks has triggered widespread questions about his safety and the current state of Iranian leadership.

Mojtaba Khamenei thanks Iraqi people and Ali Sistani for support

In a written address, Mojtaba Khamenei appreciated Iraq’s top religious leadership and the general public for their stance on Iran.

The message specifically referenced Ali Sistani, a prominent religious figure in Shia Islam, according to reports from AFP.

This message was relayed following a high-level meeting between the Iranian ambassador in Baghdad and Iraq’s Islamic Supreme Council, though no further details were provided as to how the message was transmitted.

Why Mojtaba Khamenei has maintained a low profile since February 28 strikes

Mojtaba Khamenei, who took over power after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in a February 28 airstrike, has maintained a strictly non-public profile.

Since the start of the war, he has relied on a handful of written statements, including a recent message marking Nowruz, which has only intensified global speculation regarding his physical condition and location.

It is to be noted that Khamenei has become the third Supreme Leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, following his father and the revolution’s founding figure, Ruhollah Khomeini.

Trump questions whether Mojtaba Khamenei is alive amid Iran talks

President Donald Trump recently suggested that while the US is engaged in high-level talks, they haven't spoken with Khamenei yet.

Trump noted that Washington is communicating with a "top person" in Iran but refrained from identifying him to ensure his safety.

Reflecting on the military campaign, Trump stated, “Don’t forget, we’ve wiped out the leadership phase one, phase two and largely, phase three. But we’re dealing with the man who, I believe, is the most respected, and the leader.”

President Trump stated, “I can’t name the person … because I don’t want him to be killed.”

Expressing uncertainty about whether the leader is alive, Trump referred to him as “the son” and “the second supreme leader,” stating, “We don’t know if he’s living.”

Despite denials from Tehran regarding any diplomatic engagement, Trump has remained firm on his stance that the negotiations are moving forward, claiming, “We have had very, very strong talks,” and adding, “We’ll see where they lead. We have points, major points of agreement, I would say almost all points of agreement.”