US President Donald Trump stressed the necessity of direct and personal American intervention in the process of identifying the next leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Trump affirmed in press statements that he would not allow the transfer of power to Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, considering that Washington must be a partner in this fateful political decision.
These tough stances from the White House come at a sensitive time for Tehran, where intensive consultations are underway to choose a successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Khamenei died on February 28, following a widespread military attack launched by Israeli and American forces on strategic Iranian targets.
Speaking to media sources, Trump described the son of the late leader as a figure lacking strong influence, indicating that his ascension to power would mean the continuation of previous confrontational policies. The US President clarified that he seeks to see new leadership capable of bringing peace and stability to the region, away from the escalation approach that characterized the past era.
Trump compared his desire to intervene in Iranian affairs to what previously happened with Delcy Rodriguez in Venezuela, stressing that the United States will not stand idly by while a leader adopting the same ideology is appointed. He warned that accepting a leader who follows in Khamenei's footsteps would force Washington to engage in a comprehensive military confrontation again within just five years.
Regarding international military cooperation, Trump showed great openness to receiving support from various countries to confront Iranian threats, especially concerning drones. He indicated in statements to press sources that he would welcome any technical or military assistance, in reference to potential Ukrainian offers to provide expertise in countering drones.
On the ground, the city of Qom in Iran witnessed severe security tensions, as the building of the religious body responsible for choosing the Supreme Leader was directly targeted last Tuesday. Reports stated that the attack clearly aimed to obstruct the vote counting process and disrupt consensus on the person who will assume the position of Vali-e Faqih in the next phase.
Despite the absence of official announcements, the name of 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei stands out as one of the strongest candidates to succeed his father due to his wide influence within the corridors of power. Mojtaba's strength is based on close and deeply rooted relations with the leaders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, although he has not held any official position in the state structure throughout the past years.
Iran has been in a state of confusion since the start of Israeli and American military operations last Saturday, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries. These strikes targeted senior security and political officials, placing the Iranian regime before an existential challenge amid unprecedented international and field pressures to reshape the political scene.
Mojtaba Khamenei's ascension to power is unacceptable to me, and we want someone who brings peace to Iran.
شارك برأيك
Trump demands intervention in choosing Khamenei's successor and rejects his son taking power