President Donald Trump. (X)
The remark was made in response to an adviser’s comment that the US should avoid becoming embroiled in a conflict that could lead Israel to use nuclear weapons.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
President Donald Trump said the United States does not know whether Iran’s newly selected supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is alive and rejected suggestions that Israel could use a nuclear weapon against Iran, speaking Monday at the White House.
Trump made the remarks when asked by a reporter about comments from his unofficial AI adviser David Sacks, who had urged the United States to quickly declare victory against Iran or risk becoming entangled in a prolonged conflict in which Israel could potentially resort to nuclear weapons.
Trump said he had not heard Sacks’ comments but dismissed the suggestion that Israel would take such action.
“Israel wouldn’t do that. Israel would never do that,” Trump said.
The president also addressed uncertainty surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition following recent statements about the Iranian leader.
“We don’t know if he’s dead or not,” Trump said.
Last week, Trump said he believed Khamenei was alive but possibly injured, saying he was “probably damaged in some form.”
During Monday’s remarks, Trump said conflicting reports had circulated about Khamenei’s health and status.
“Some people” are “saying that he lost his leg… Other people are saying he’s dead. Nobody’s saying he’s 100% healthy,” Trump said.
Trump accused Iran of spreading misleading information during the ongoing conflict.
“They’re using disinformation, plus AI, and that’s a terrible situation,” he said.
The president said the alleged disinformation includes fabricated images and video circulating online.
“They’re using disinformation, plus AI,” Trump said, referring to what he described as fake footage showing US and Israeli targets burning.
Trump also confirmed that he has discussed Israeli military operations against Hezbollah with Israel’s leadership.
“Hezbollah is a big problem, and they’re rapidly being eliminated,” he said.
He declined to say whether Washington supports a broader Israeli offensive against the Lebanese group.
The remarks came as fighting between Israel and Iran-backed forces continues and questions remain over the condition and whereabouts of Iran’s leadership.
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Approximately 250 IDF soldiers are currently participating in the program.