US President Donald Trump has said he believes the United States should play a direct role in deciding who becomes Iran’s next supreme leader following the death of Ali Khamenei.
In an interview with Axios on Thursday, Trump acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei the late leader’s 56-year-old son is widely viewed as the leading candidate to succeed his father.
However, the U.S. president made clear he strongly opposes the possibility.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump said.
“I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela.”
Trump was referring to Delcy Rodríguez, who became acting president of Venezuela earlier this year after U.S. forces captured former leader Nicolás Maduro and transferred him to New York to face drug-related charges.
The president also said Washington would not accept a new Iranian leader who intends to continue the policies pursued by the late Khamenei.
“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Trump said.
Trump added that several figures previously considered potential successors may no longer be viable candidates after recent military strikes linked to the ongoing conflict.
His comments come amid rising tensions across the Middle East following a large-scale military campaign by the United States and Israel targeting multiple sites inside Iran.
The operation has triggered retaliatory attacks across the region and deepened uncertainty over the country’s political future.
Iranian authorities have yet to officially announce a successor to the late supreme leader.
