WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he should personally be involved in the appointment of Iran’s next leader following the tenure of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In an interview with a U.S. media outlet, Trump said if Iran attempts to appoint a new leader without U.S. involvement, it would be “a waste of time.”
Trump indicated that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is widely considered a potential successor but warned that he would not accept such a decision.
He described Mojtaba Khamenei as a “weak personality” and emphasized that the U.S. wants a leader in Iran who can bring harmony and stability to the country. Trump compared the situation to U.S. involvement in Venezuela, suggesting he should play a similar role in Iran’s leadership transition.
The President also cautioned that he would not recognize any new Iranian leader who continues the policies of the previous administration, warning that such a scenario could lead to renewed tensions with the U.S. within five years.
