Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that American military intelligence has positively located Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and could target him at any moment. However, Trump asserted that he has chosen not to authorize a strike, citing the risk of provoking missile attacks against innocent civilians and American forces in the region. “He’s an easy target,” Trump wrote. “But I won’t let our people pay the price.”
Ayatollah Khamenei, in power since 1989, is Iran’s second Supreme Leader following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. As commander-in-chief of the Iranian military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), he wields sweeping authority over state and religious affairs. Despite his near-absolute control, Khamenei rarely travels and lives a relatively austere life in central Tehran. His influence extends through a tight inner circle, notably including his son Mojtaba, who is seen by many observers as a potential successor despite no formal announcement.
The post has intensified attention on U.S.–Iran tensions, which have escalated following military exchanges in the region. Khamenei’s leadership and the opaque but powerful role of his family—particularly his sons, who serve in clerical, military, and political roles—remain central to Iran’s strategic direction. U.S. officials have not formally commented on Trump’s post, but international analysts warn that such remarks could inflame already fragile regional dynamics.
