United States President Donald Trump has sparked controversy after declaring that he should have a say in who becomes the next Supreme Leader of Iran, openly rejecting the possibility of the late leader’s son taking over.
Speaking during a recent interview, Trump dismissed the potential succession of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, insisting that such a move would be unacceptable.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me,” Trump said, adding that the next leader of Iran should be someone capable of bringing peace and stability to the country.
The comments come amid growing uncertainty in Iran’s leadership following the death of Ali Khamenei, which has triggered a power struggle within the country’s political and religious establishment.
Mojtaba Khamenei has been widely mentioned as one of the strongest contenders to succeed his father. However, Trump argued that allowing a direct family succession would only continue the same policies that have defined Iran’s leadership for decades.
The U.S. president further stated that the international community, particularly the United States, should play a role in shaping Iran’s future leadership, claiming that such influence could help prevent further tensions in the Middle East.
“We want someone who will bring harmony and peace,” Trump said, suggesting that Iran needs a different direction after years of strained relations with Western nations.
Under Iran’s political system, the responsibility for selecting the Supreme Leader rests with the Assembly of Experts, a powerful clerical body tasked with choosing the country’s highest authority.
The Assembly is expected to meet in the coming days to deliberate on who will succeed Ali Khamenei, a decision that could significantly shape Iran’s political future and its relationship with the rest of the world.
Trump’s remarks have already begun drawing reactions from political observers, with critics arguing that the United States has no formal role in determining Iran’s leadership.
As the leadership question unfolds, analysts warn that the outcome could influence the broader geopolitical balance in the Middle East, particularly amid rising tensions involving Iran and its regional rivals.