President Trump demanded a direct role in selecting Iran’s next supreme leader after the assassination of Ali Khamenei. Ali Khamenei served as Iran’s supreme leader for more than 35 years. Israeli forces killed him on February 28 during joint strikes with the United States. Iranian officials confirmed his death and declared a period of mourning.
Trump Spoke Out In Exclusive Interview
President Donald Trump told Axios in a phone interview on Thursday that he needed to take part in the choice of a new leader. He compared the situation to events in Venezuela. Trump added that Iran would waste time if it moved forward without American input.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late leader, emerged as the leading candidate to succeed his father. Trump called the younger Khamenei unacceptable. “Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me,” Trump said. “We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran.”
Trump Called Mojtaba A Lightweight
The president described Mojtaba Khamenei as unqualified for the position. “They are wasting their time,” Trump stated. “Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy Rodriguez in Venezuela.”
In Venezuela, United States forces captured former president Nicolás Maduro in January. Delcy Rodriguez then became acting president with American support. Trump noted that oil production had since increased and called Venezuela a new partner.
Iranian politicians hinted that they would name a new leader soon. However, Israel struck a building in Qom on Tuesday where clerics planned to vote. The move disrupted the process.
Trump Warned Of Future Conflict
The president said he refused to accept any successor who continued Ali Khamenei’s policies. Such a choice would force the United States back into war within five years, Trump warned. “We don’t have to go back every five years and do this again and again,” he told Reuters in a separate interview.
Defense officials stated that the current operation aimed to weaken Iran’s missiles, nuclear program, and navy. They denied any official push for regime change. Trump’s comments nevertheless highlighted American interest in Iran’s political future.
