Washington: In a bold move that underscores Washington’s growing influence in Middle Eastern affairs, US President Donald Trump has demanded a say in selecting Iran’s next Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel airstrike.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Axios, Trump dismissed the prospect of Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, taking the helm, labelling him a “lightweight” unfit for the role.
Trump, drawing parallels to his involvement in Venezuela’s leadership transition, insisted on direct participation in the succession process. “They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, as happened with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela,” he told Axios during the eight-minute conversation.
At 56, Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged as a frontrunner among some Iranian politicians, though Tehran has yet to make an official announcement. However, Trump stressed that any leader perpetuating Khamenei’s hardline policies would be unacceptable, warning it could spark another war within five years. “Khamenei’s son is not acceptable to me. We want someone who brings peace and harmony to Iran,” the Republican leader emphasised.
This statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Iran’s regime grappling with internal power dynamics post-Khamenei’s demise, which could lead to further instability and influence the selection of a new leader who can unify the country. Analysts suggest Trump’s interventionist stance could reshape US-Iran relations, potentially averting conflict through diplomatic leverage, such as engaging in negotiations that address key issues like nuclear proliferation and regional security concerns.