US President Donald Trump has said he wants to take part in selecting the next Supreme Leader of Iran after the killing of Ali Khamenei in a joint airstrike carried out by the United States and Israel. In an interview with Axios, Trump stated that he believes he should have a role in deciding Khamenei’s successor, similar to how he claims to have been involved in leadership decisions in Venezuela.
During the eight-minute interview, Trump also expressed strong opposition to the possibility of Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, becoming Iran’s next Supreme Leader. He described Mojtaba as a “lightweight” and said such a choice would be unacceptable to him.
Although Iran has not officially named a successor, several Iranian politicians have indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei, who is 56, could potentially replace his father. Trump made it clear that he would oppose this move, saying he would not support a leader who continues Ali Khamenei’s policies, as it could push the United States into another conflict within the next five years.
He added that the United States would prefer a leader who could bring stability and peace to Iran. Trump also referenced the situation in Venezuela, saying that after Nicolás Maduro was captured, Washington was expected to support Maria Corina Machado as the next president, but instead backed Delcy RodrÃguez to succeed Maduro.
