Donald Trump has said he wants a direct role in deciding who becomes Iran’s next supreme leader after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a recent interview, Trump described the most likely successor as “unacceptable” and called for U.S. influence in the selection process.
Trump specifically rejected Mojtaba Khamenei — the son of the late supreme leader — as a suitable choice, describing him as unlikely to bring peace or stability. He said the United States “must be involved” in picking a leader who would promote harmony in the region.
The comments came as Iran has not yet named a new leader, and an interim leadership council is temporarily overseeing the country’s affairs. Under Iran’s constitution, the 88-member Assembly of Experts is normally responsible for appointing the supreme leader.
Trump compared the situation to U.S. involvement in leadership changes elsewhere, including Venezuela, and suggested that if Iran chooses a continuation of hardline policies, conflict could continue. His stance highlights growing geopolitical tensions and the highly unusual idea of the U.S. influencing Iran’s internal succession.
