President Donald Trump publicly confirmed on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, during an appearance on Fox News’ "The Five," that U.S. intelligence officials had briefed him on claims suggesting Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be gay. The remarks came in response to a direct question from host Jesse Watters about the intelligence.
"Well, they did say that, but I don’t know if it was only them," President Trump stated on air. "I think a lot of people are saying that." This public acknowledgment marked the first time President Trump had openly discussed the intelligence, having reportedly avoided the topic in earlier remarks.
The allegations concerning Khamenei's personal life remain unverified publicly. However, sources familiar with the intelligence briefing indicated that the claims were discussed extensively among U.S. intelligence officials and senior members of the administration. One source described the information as "derived from one of the most protected sources that the government has," though no physical evidence has been presented publicly to substantiate these claims.
The core of the allegation centers on claims that Khamenei had a long-term relationship with a male tutor. Additionally, there are reports that he made advances toward male caregivers while recovering from injuries allegedly sustained in recent airstrikes.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, assumed the powerful role of Iran's Supreme Leader on March 8, 2026, following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who had governed Iran for decades. His ascent to power reportedly faced internal resistance within Iran’s leadership circles. Some sources suggest that aspects of his personal life were a contributing factor to the opposition regarding his succession.
The claims carry significant weight due to the stringent enforcement of Islamic law in Iran, where homosexual acts are criminalized and can be punishable by death. President Trump referenced this dynamic during his interview, remarking that if true, the allegation could "put him off to a bad start in that particular country."
The issue of Khamenei’s personal life has surfaced in past reporting, albeit indirectly. A 2008 U.S. diplomatic cable, later published by WikiLeaks, noted that Khamenei received medical treatment in the United Kingdom for impotence. The document also stated that he married later in life and required multiple treatments before having children. However, this cable did not directly address his sexual orientation.
During the same interview, President Trump also used the opportunity to criticize pro-Palestinian LGBTQ activists, arguing that groups such as Hamas would not tolerate such identities within their territories. He then pivoted to highlight his own electoral support among gay voters, claiming, "No Republican has ever gotten the gay vote like I did." This assertion was further emphasized by a social media post from Collin Rugg, quoting President Trump stating, "I did very well with the gay vote. Okay? I even played the Gay National Anthem as my walk-out for my campaign. And I…"
These comments from President Trump unfold as his administration continues to pursue a negotiated resolution to the ongoing conflict with Iran. The conflict, which has persisted for nearly a month, has significantly escalated global tensions. The White House is actively seeking major concessions from Tehran, including a halt to its nuclear development program and the reopening of crucial shipping routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump has previously expressed strong criticism of Khamenei’s leadership, characterizing him as an "unacceptable" choice for the Supreme Leader position and suggesting that he would likely be unwilling to compromise in international negotiations.
The public disclosure of these unconfirmed intelligence claims by President Trump adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile geopolitical landscape. The intersection of intelligence, high-stakes international politics, and public messaging ensures that these allegations will remain a significant point of discussion in the evolving relationship between the United States and Iran.
