By By Elizabeth Ugbo
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday insisted he should have a role in choosing Iran’s next supreme leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in a strike during the escalating war involving the United States and Israel. Trump said he wants a leader who will promote peace and prevent future conflicts. He made the remarks during an interview with Axios days after the attack that killed Iran’s long-time ruler.
Trump Rejects Mojtaba Khamenei as Successor
Trump openly opposed the possible succession of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Iranian leader.
He described Mojtaba as unacceptable and said Iran needs leadership that will bring harmony and stability.
However, Iran’s constitution gives the power to select the supreme leader to the Assembly of Experts, a body of senior Shiite clerics. Most members strongly oppose U.S. influence in Iran’s internal affairs.
Khamenei Killed in U.S.–Israeli Strike
Khamenei ruled Iran for more than three decades after succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.
Coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel targeted several leadership locations in Tehran. One of the attacks killed Khamenei and other senior officials.
The strike triggered retaliation from Iran and sharply increased tensions across the Middle East.
Trump Compares Iran Situation to Venezuela
Trump compared the leadership crisis in Iran to political developments in Venezuela.
He said he previously worked with Delcy Rodríguez after U.S. forces removed Nicolás Maduro, a longtime U.S. adversary.
According to Trump, working with a leader within the existing system could stabilize Iran faster than attempting to overthrow the government.
Opposition Leader Proposes Democratic Transition
Meanwhile, Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late Shah, proposed a transitional leadership plan.
Pahlavi suggested he could return to Iran temporarily and guide the country toward drafting a new constitution and establishing a secular democracy.
However, he rejected the idea of another supreme leader emerging from the current system, saying such leadership would be illegitimate.
Risk of Future Conflict
Trump warned that tensions could rise again if Iran selects a hostile leader.
He said the United States could face another war within five years if the next leadership does not pursue peace.
For now, the succession process remains uncertain as Iran prepares to choose a new leader after decades under Khamenei.
