Here's The Shocking Reason Ali Khamenei Didn't Want Mojtaba to Succeed Him

The New York Post published an exclusive report today, claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump was briefed last week on intelligence suggesting Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is likely gay, and that his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, harbored concerns about his suitability to lead the Islamic Republic due to this.

The article describes Trump's reaction as one of stunned surprise, reportedly laughing aloud during the briefing, with others in the room joining in the amusement.

According to the report, U.S. intelligence—sourced from a highly protected informant—indicates that the 56-year-old Mojtaba has engaged in a long-term sexual relationship with either his childhood tutor or a former employee of the Khamenei family.

The intel also alleges "aggressive" sexual overtures toward male caregivers, potentially while under heavy medication following injuries from a February 28, 2026, U.S.-Israeli airstrike that killed his father, wife Zahra, and son Mohammad Bagher.

While deemed credible by U.S. spy agencies and elevated to the "highest of high levels," the claims lack photographic evidence and rely on anonymous sources, including two intelligence community officials and one individual close to the White House.

The late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly opposed his son's ascension partly due to these suspected personal issues, preferring other successors like the deceased President Ebrahim Raisi.

This aligns with a CBS News report from the previous day, which alluded to Ali Khamenei's reservations about Mojtaba's "issues in his personal life," without specifying sexuality.

Historical context includes a 2008 WikiLeaks cable detailing Mojtaba's treatment for impotence in London hospitals, which was resolved, leading to his late marriage and children.

Sources described the briefing as eliciting laughter from Trump and attendees, with one senior official reportedly "not stopped laughing about it for days."

Trump has previously criticized Mojtaba as a "lightweight" and "unacceptable" leader, expressing dissatisfaction with Iran's choice amid ongoing U.S. military operations like Operation Epic Fury.

The White House declined to comment on the report.

In Iran, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death, with public executions documented, though sex reassignment surgeries are permitted and sometimes encouraged for gay individuals.

One anonymous source justified the disclosure by stating, "If there was ever a time where it was OK to out somebody, it would be when it’s a leader of a repressive Islamic theocracy that hangs gay people by cranes."

The story has circulated on social media and other outlets, including references in Israeli media like The Times of Israel, which reported similar intel on Ali Khamenei's doubts about his son's qualifications but without the explicit gay allegation.

The claims remain unverified beyond the anonymous sources cited, and no official U.S. government confirmation has been issued.