The late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei worried his son wasn't smart enough to lead Iran and might be gay, according to reports citing U.S. intelligence.
CBS News reported that the intel states that Khamenei worried his son, Mojtaba, was not very smart and was unqualified to lead the nation. The network cited multiple unnamed sources in the report.
The network said that Trump was mentioning the intel in private conversations with advisers. Also, Trump indicated that the intel might not matter because he considers Iran to essentially be leadership less because Mojtaba might be dead or injured.
The New York Post reported that the intel also indicated that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei believed Mojtaba might be gay, adding to the father's concerns about his son's ability to lead. According to Human Dignity Trust, homosexuality is illegal in Iran, with the maximum penalty being death.
The New York Post reported that President Trump was surprised when briefed with the intel and laughed out loud. The newspaper cited two intelligence sources and a third person described as "close to the White House."
The newspaper reported that Khamenei, 56, has allegedly had a long-term relationship with his childhood tutor according to U.S. spies. Khamenei was chosen to replace his father on March 8.
