Trump Says US Must Help Pick Iran’s Next Leader, Rejects Khamenei’s Son
United States President Donald Trump has said the United States must be involved in choosing Iran’s next supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, insisting that Tehran should not select a successor opposed by Washington.
In interviews with international media outlets, Trump made it clear that he wants a voice in determining the future leadership of Iran, amid ongoing conflict and uncertainty over succession after Khamenei’s death.
The U.S. president ruled out the likely succession of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late supreme leader, calling him “unacceptable” and a “lightweight” for the position. He said the next leader must be someone capable of bringing “harmony and peace” to Iran, and warned that choosing a hardline successor could lead to renewed conflict with the United States.
> “Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran. We have to be involved in the process of choosing who will lead Iran into the future,” Trump told reporters.
Trump compared the situation to U.S. involvement in leadership changes in other countries, including Venezuela, where Washington played a significant role following the capture of then‑President Nicolás Maduro and installation of Delcy Rodríguez. He said the United States should take a similarly active role in shaping Iran’s future leadership.
The comments come amid heightened tensions following U.S. and allied strikes that killed Khamenei, and as Iran’s internal leadership council — the Assembly of Experts — continues to deliberate on his successor.
Trump also cautioned that installing a leader who follows the same policies as the late supreme leader could result in the U.S. being drawn back into conflict in the coming years.
As of now, Iran has not officially announced its new supreme leader, and the ongoing uncertainty has added to regional instability.