Trump says US must be involved in selecting Iran's next leader

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that America must play a role in choosing Iran's next leader following the killing of Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In interviews with Reuters and Axios, Trump said that if Iran determines a successor without U.S. participation, "they are wasting their time." He referred to Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, noting that he is widely seen as the most likely successor but deeming the option unacceptable to the U.S. Trump described Mojtaba Khamenei as "an insignificant person" and insisted, "I must be involved in this appointment."

Trump emphasized that any new Iranian leader continuing the previous leadership's policies would be rejected, warning that it "carries the risk of renewed conflict with the United States in the next five years." He added, "We want someone who brings coordination and peace to Iran."

The U.S. president noted that the process of selecting a new leader is in its early stages and that the United States intends to participate actively to ensure a suitable individual is chosen for Iran's people and country.

These remarks come amid media reports identifying Mojtaba Khamenei as the frontrunner to succeed his father, with political developments in Iran drawing global attention.