President Donald Trump publicly confirmed on live television that U.S. intelligence officials briefed him on claims that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be gay.
The remarks came during an appearance on Fox News’ The Five, when host Jesse Watters asked Trump directly about the intelligence.
“Well, they did say that, but I don’t know if it was only them,” Trump said. “I think a lot of people are saying that.”
The allegation remains unverified publicly, but according to sources familiar with the briefing, the claim was discussed at length among U.S. intelligence officials and senior members of the administration.
Trump’s response marked the first time he openly acknowledged the intelligence on air after earlier avoiding the topic in previous remarks.
Behind the scenes, sources say the claim surfaced during a high-level briefing, where officials described it as coming from highly protected intelligence sources.
One source said the information was “derived from one of the most protected sources that the government has,” though no physical evidence has been publicly presented.
The allegation centers on claims that Khamenei had a long-term relationship with a male tutor, along with additional reports that he made advances toward male caregivers while recovering from injuries sustained in recent airstrikes.
Khamenei, 56, assumed power on March 8 following the death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for decades.
His rise to power came amid reports of internal resistance within Iran’s leadership, with some sources claiming his personal life was a factor in opposition to his succession.
The claims carry added weight due to Iran’s strict enforcement of Islamic law, where homosexuality is criminalized and can be punished by death.
Trump referenced that dynamic during the interview, saying the allegation could “put him off to a bad start in that particular country.”
The issue has also surfaced in past reporting. A 2008 U.S. diplomatic cable published by WikiLeaks noted that Khamenei received medical treatment in the United Kingdom for impotence, though it did not directly address his sexual orientation.
The document stated he married later in life and required multiple treatments before having children.
Trump also used the moment to criticize pro-Palestinian LGBTQ activists, arguing that groups like Hamas would not tolerate such identities, Trending Politics reported.
He then shifted to highlight his own support among gay voters, claiming he performed better with that demographic than previous Republican candidates.
“No Republican has ever gotten the gay vote like I did,” Trump said.
The comments come as the administration continues to push for a negotiated end to the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has lasted nearly a month and driven global tensions higher.
The White House is seeking major concessions from Tehran, including halting nuclear development and reopening key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has previously criticized Khamenei’s leadership, calling him an “unacceptable” choice and suggesting he would be unlikely to compromise in negotiations.
The revelation adds another layer to an already volatile geopolitical situation, where intelligence, politics, and public messaging are now intersecting in real time.
At this stage, the claims remain unconfirmed publicly, but their disclosure on national television ensures they will remain a major point of discussion moving forward.
