Donald Trump said the United States should be involved in selecting Iran’s next leader following Israeli strikes that reportedly killed the country’s long-time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Speaking in several media interviews on Thursday, Trump indicated that Washington intends to have influence over Iran’s future leadership, although he said a ground invasion of Iran would be unnecessary. According to Trump, the U.S. wants to ensure that the country is led by someone capable of bringing stability and rebuilding the nation without pursuing nuclear weapons.
Trump dismissed speculation that Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, could emerge as a successor. He described him as “unacceptable” and suggested that choosing him would not help restore stability in Iran. Trump said the United States prefers a leader who could promote harmony and peace in the country.
He compared potential U.S. involvement in Iran’s political transition to Washington’s previous influence in Venezuela, saying the U.S. had also played a role in shaping leadership developments there earlier this year.
At the same time, Trump noted that the next leader of Iran might come from within the country’s existing political structure. Speaking earlier to reporters at the White House, he said someone already in Iran and popular among the public might be a more suitable option to fill the power vacuum created by the recent events.
Trump also said that Iran has suffered major losses following the conflict and suggested that the country’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened. However, he stressed that the United States does not want to repeat a prolonged confrontation and would instead prefer a political outcome that ensures long-term stability.
The comments come amid ongoing uncertainty over Iran’s political future and growing speculation about who could lead the country after Khamenei. Analysts say the transition could reshape the political balance in the region, particularly as the United States and Israel continue to closely monitor developments.
