Trump Demands US Approval for Iran's Next Supreme Leader

In a striking declaration, former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that the next supreme leader of Iran would require American approval to remain in power. He made these comments during an interview on Sunday, March 8.

"He's going to have to get approval from us," Trump stated. "If he doesn't get approval from us, he is not going to last long." He framed this demand as a measure to prevent future conflicts, adding, "We want to make sure we don't have to go back and do this every 10 years when there isn't a president like me who would do it."

Trump expressed concern about the potential for Iran to acquire nuclear weapons if decisive action was not taken now. "I don't want people having to do the same thing five years from now or, worse than that, letting them have nuclear weapons," he said.

When questioned if he would approve someone connected to Iran's current political establishment, Trump indicated openness. "I would agree in order to pick a good leader... There are plenty of people who could be suitable," he explained.

The former president also reiterated his view of Iran as a significant regional threat. "They were a paper tiger. A week ago they weren't, I'll tell you that. And they were going to attack," Trump claimed. "Their plan was to take over the entire Middle East."

Regarding military options, Trump did not rule out sending special forces units to seize enriched uranium from Iran. "Everything is being considered. Everything," he noted. However, he declined to predict the duration of any potential military operation, stating only, "I never predict. All I can say is we are ahead of schedule both in terms of effectiveness and time."