Trump Claims Personal Role in Choosing Iran's Next Supreme Leader

In a Thursday interview, former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that he must be personally involved in selecting Iran's next supreme leader, drawing a parallel to his actions regarding Venezuela.

Trump acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is the most likely successor. However, he made it clear he finds such an outcome unacceptable.

"They are wasting their time. Khamenei's son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, just like with Delcy (Rodriguez) in Venezuela. Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me. We need someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran," Trump stated.

Reports had previously indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran's new supreme leader, though authorities have delayed an official announcement of the successor's name.

The former president's remarks were described as "extraordinary" and seen as further complicating the stated objectives of a major U.S. Military campaign against Iran.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other American officials have denied that "regime change" is the operation's goal. Instead, they emphasize focusing on degrading Iran's missile capabilities, nuclear program, and naval forces.

When previously asked about who could replace Khamenei, Trump told reporters at the White House: "Most of the people we considered are already dead."

Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the assassinated leader, has emerged as the leading contender to succeed his father, despite the lack of an official declaration.