U.S. President Donald Trump has said he must play a role in determining who becomes the next leader of Iran.
He made the remark, following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Speaking in an interview with Axios on Thursday, Trump stated that Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s 56-year-old son, is widely viewed as the likely successor but insisted he does not support the idea.
While noting that Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s 56-year-old son, is widely viewed as the likely successor, Trump insisted he does not support the idea.
The U.S. president said he would reject any Iranian leader who intends to continue the policies of the late Khamenei.
“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Trump stated.
Earlier this week, Trump also suggested that many of the individuals previously considered potential successors had died during recent strikes linked to the ongoing conflict.
His remarks come after a large-scale military campaign launched by the United States and Israel targeted several sites in Iran.
The development triggered retaliatory attacks across the region and increasing uncertainty over the country’s future leadership.
Iran has yet to officially announce a new Supreme Leader.
