Trump Insists on Role in Choosing Iran's Next Leader, Dismisses Khamenei’s Son as Unacceptable

Politics

Trump Insists on Role in Choosing Iran's Next Leader, Dismisses Khamenei’s Son as Unacceptable

1 hour ago

News sources:

SCMP

AA 2

INDIATIMES

Trump Insists on Role in Choosing Iran's Next Leader, Dismisses Khamenei’s Son as Unacceptable

Credited from: INDIATIMES

Trump demands involvement in selecting Iran's next supreme leader post-Khamenei.
He labels Mojtaba Khamenei, potential successor, as "unacceptable" and "a lightweight."
The U.S. recently launched military operations in the region, complicating the leadership transition.

US President Donald Trump stated he needs to personally influence the selection of Iran's next leader, criticizing the potential successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. Trump expressed, "Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," indicating his stance on maintaining a certain political direction in Iran, according to SCMP, AA, and India Times.

In a phone conversation with Axios, Trump compared the situation in Iran to his involvement in Venezuela’s leadership changes, asserting, "I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela." He warned that accepting a successor who continues Ali Khamenei's policies could lead the US back to war "in five years," highlighting the urgency of the matter, according to AA and India Times.

As Iran has yet to formally announce a new leader following the death of Ali Khamenei, the nation's political dynamics remain in flux. Under Iran's Constitution, the 88-member Assembly of Experts is constitutionally responsible for selecting a successor, while the interim leadership is held by a temporary council, according to SCMP and AA.