U.S. President Donald Trump has said he must be personally involved in the process of selecting a new leader for Iran.
The comments came in an interview with Axios on Thursday as Iran remains in political turmoil following the death of its Supreme Leader.
Trump acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is widely seen as the likely successor.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodríguez] in Venezuela.
“Khamenei son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran.”
Trump drew a comparison to Venezuela, where Delcy Rodríguez became leader after U.S. strikes led to the removal of then‑President Nicolás Maduro.
It is still unclear who is officially in charge in Iran.
Days after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, a building housing members of the clerical council responsible for choosing the next supreme leader was bombed while votes were being counted, according to reports.
The situation in Iran remains highly unstable, and Trump’s comments could affect ongoing efforts to stabilise the country and end conflict in the region.
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