Trump Says He Must Be Involved in Choosing Iran’s Next Leader
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has stated that he should have a role in deciding who becomes the next leader of Iran following the death of its Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Speaking during an interview with Axios on Thursday, Trump dismissed the possibility that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could succeed his father, stating that he lacked the qualities required to lead the country.
Trump also said he would not accept any new Iranian leader who intends to continue the policies pursued by the late Supreme Leader. According to him, the United States would prefer a leader capable of promoting peace and stability in Iran.
Drawing a comparison with political developments in Venezuela, Trump referenced the emergence of Delcy Rodríguez after U.S. forces captured former president Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
His comments come amid political uncertainty in Iran following the death of Khamenei in late February during joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iranian military and government facilities.
The strikes formed part of escalating tensions linked to Iran’s regional influence and nuclear programme.
Since the attacks, Iran has launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli and U.S.-linked locations across the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional conflict and disrupting energy shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei had ruled Iran since 1989 and had not officially named a successor before his death. His passing has therefore created a power vacuum in Tehran, prompting speculation over who will eventually assume leadership of the country.
