Trump rejects Khamenei’s son, demands role in choosing Iran’s next leader

U.S. President Donald Trump has opposed the possible emergence of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s next supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.

Trump made his position known in an interview with Axios on Thursday, stating that he must be involved in the process of selecting Iran’s next leader.

“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” the U.S. president said.

He added, “Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment.”

Succession debate follows Khamenei’s death

The younger Khamenei has widely been viewed as the most likely successor after the death of the Iranian leader in a joint military attack carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Ali Khamenei had ruled the Islamic Republic for more than three decades after assuming power in 1989, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in the region.

His son’s possible rise to power has also raised discussions about the continuation of the Khamenei family’s influence in Iran’s political leadership.

Israeli strike targets Iranian officials

Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the succession process escalated earlier this week after Israeli forces reportedly bombed a group of Iranian officials involved in coordinating the process to determine who would succeed the slain leader.

The development adds another layer of uncertainty to Iran’s leadership transition as the country navigates the aftermath of Khamenei’s death.

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