Trump calls new Iran leader 'more rational', says he is badly injured after Israeli strike

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump offered a surprising assessment of Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, describing him as “more rational” than his predecessor while suggesting Washington may have intelligence on his whereabouts.

The remarks, made during an interview with NBC’s 'Meet the Press' that was released on Sunday, June 7, come as diplomatic efforts to end the months-long conflict between the United States and Iran continue, with both sides reportedly edging closer to a potential agreement aimed at reducing tensions and addressing Tehran’s nuclear program.

Trump praises Mojtaba Khamenei's approach

Speaking in an interview with NBC’s 'Meet the Press', Trump said he believes Iran’s new leader may take a more pragmatic approach than his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the opening stages of the conflict.

“Younger, I think, more rational,” Trump said when asked about Mojtaba Khamenei.

The president also claimed the Iranian leader remains injured following an Israeli strike carried out during the early days of the war.

“Injured, he’s pretty badly injured,” Trump said, adding that there was “a certain bravery there.”

Mojtaba Khamenei has largely remained out of public view since assuming power, fueling speculation about both his health and location amid ongoing regional instability.

Trump also appeared to suggest that American officials may have information about where the Iranian leader is currently staying, though he declined to provide specifics.

“I don’t want to say whether or not I know where he is, but there’s a good probability that I do,” the president said.

Nuclear talks take center stage

Trump’s comments come as his administration continues pushing for an agreement aimed at ending the conflict and addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities.

In the same interview, the president said the United States would work alongside Iran to remove and destroy its stockpile of highly enriched uranium if a deal is reached.

“If we make a deal that now we’re friendly, we’ll all go together,” Trump said, describing a scenario in which both countries cooperate to eliminate the material.

He also warned that if negotiations collapse, the United States could take additional military action before securing the nuclear stockpile itself.

Trump maintained that American surveillance capabilities give the US an extraordinary ability to monitor sensitive sites inside Iran, arguing that Washington can closely track activity related to the country’s nuclear infrastructure.

Despite ongoing disagreements, the president said negotiators are “very close” to reaching an agreement, though he continues to press Tehran to make deeper concessions on its nuclear program before any final deal is signed.