Trump Claims US Has Candidates to Replace Iran's Leadership

Former US President Donald Trump has declared his support for a complete change of power in Iran, stating that Washington already has potential candidates in mind for the role of the country's new leader.

"We want to come in and clean everything up... We want them to have a good leader. We have several people who, I think, would do a very good job," Trump said in an interview with NBC News.

He did not, however, specify who these individuals might be. This statement follows Trump's earlier assertion that he needs to be personally involved in selecting Iran's next leader, drawing a parallel to his actions regarding Venezuela.

"We want to come in and clean everything up... We want them to have a good leader."

The comments come against the backdrop of heightened tensions. A joint US-Israeli operation against Iran began on February 28. Officials in Tel Aviv stated its goal is to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Washington has threatened to destroy the Iranian fleet and defense industry while calling on citizens to overthrow the regime.

According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, attacks by the US and Israel have resulted in at least 1,000 casualties, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Trump previously acknowledged that the military operation could last longer than initial estimates of four to five weeks. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans for even more powerful strikes against Iran.

In related developments, Mojtaba Khamenei—the 56-year-old son of the slain Supreme Leader—has been reported as a leading contender to succeed his father, although no official announcement has been made.