As Iran prepared to announce a successor to assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran’s next Supreme Leader would struggle to hold power if he does not have Trump’s approval.
Iran’s previous Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, died nine days ago after a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on his residence, plunging the Middle East into conflict.
Shortly after, members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts revealed that they had secretly convened to select a new leader but have not yet disclosed the choice, only stating that an announcement is forthcoming.
On March 8, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was chosen as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
Trump had previously demanded a say in Iran’s selection of a new leader and described Khamenei’s son as an unacceptable “lightweight” figure.
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In an interview with ABC News today, Trump said regarding Iran’s new leader, “He must get our approval,” adding, “If he doesn’t have our recognition, he won’t last long.”
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stressed that this is entirely an internal Iranian decision, “and no one is allowed to interfere in our domestic affairs.” Araghchi earlier told NBC’s Meet the Press that Trump should “apologize to the region” for the escalating conflict.
Mojtaba Khamenei, closely connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is considered a conservative figure.
The Israeli military has already warned any potential successor: “We will not hesitate to target you.”
