Washington/ Tehran, March 6 (UNI) US President Donald Trump on Friday has expressed his desire to be part of the process of selecting Iran’s next supreme leader, reiterating his goal of installing a new leadership that aligns with the United States’ direction within the Iranian ruling system.
He also indicated that the US and Israel will not accept a successor who continues the policies of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in recent US-Israeli strikes.
Trump’s remarks suggest that he views the leadership transition in Tehran as a critical factor in shaping the future of US-Iran relations. He indicated that he has specific candidates in mind for a “good leader” and intends to take measures to ensure their survival through the ongoing conflict.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment,” Trump told Axios, referring to Mojtaba Khamenei, a prominent potential successor.
He also drew parallels to Venezuela, saying he would prefer a leader similar to Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed power after Nicolas Maduro was removed, allowing the United States greater influence over the country’s policies. Trump described Rodriguez’s leadership as beneficial to US strategic interests and said he hopes to see a comparable outcome in Iran.
Iran’s leadership succession is legally managed by the Assembly of Experts, a body of clerics responsible for selecting the next supreme leader.
Meanwhile, Trump claimed that Iran has reached out in hopes of working out a deal to end the war.
Iranian intelligence is in talks with the United States on how to end the war, CNN reported but US officials say there are no negotiations underway and that potential “off-ramps” are unlikely to materialize in the near term.
Some reports are also suggesting that Trump administration officials are planning to meet US defence executives on Friday to discuss weapons production.
The meeting will take place at the White House, in which a discussion will revolve around weapons production and its supplies.
