Donald Trump has warned that Iran’s next supreme leader may struggle to remain in power without approval from the United States. His remarks came as Iran prepares to announce a successor to its late leader.

The statement followed the reported death of Ali Khamenei during a recent US-Israeli military strike. Since then, the Assembly of Experts has been meeting privately to choose the country’s new supreme leader.

Although the clerics have not yet revealed the name of the chosen candidate, some reports suggest Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, could take the position. Trump previously dismissed him as inexperienced and warned that the new leader must gain international recognition.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected outside interference, insisting that the decision about Iran’s leadership belongs only to the Iranian people.