United States President Donald Trump has said he wants to play a direct role in deciding who will become the next leader of Iran following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Trump made the remarks during an interview with Axios on Thursday, where he criticised the possibility of Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, taking over the position.
According to him, the United States should have a say in the leadership transition in Iran, stressing that he would not support Mojtaba Khamenei becoming the country’s next leader.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump said in the interview, adding that he must be involved in choosing Iran’s next leader.
The U.S. president added that he wants a leader who can promote stability and peace in Iran.
“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” he said.
Trump also compared the situation to political developments in Venezuela, where he claimed to have played a role in leadership changes that followed the removal of former president Nicolás Maduro.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround the leadership situation in Iran. Reports indicate that days after Khamenei’s death, a building housing members of the clerical council responsible for selecting the next supreme leader was bombed while voting was ongoing.
The political climate in the country remains tense, and Trump’s comments could further influence ongoing diplomatic and security efforts aimed at stabilising Iran and the wider Middle East.
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