Trump Demands Say Over Iran Succession

Trump (News Central TV) Trump (News Central TV)
US Official to Visit Nigeria to Discuss Terror Financing. Credit: AFP

United States President Donald Trump has set his gaze on Iran’s regime change and insists he wants to be involved in the selection of the new leader of the Middle Eastern country, which has been plunged into turmoil.

Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed over the weekend following strikes launched against the country by the US and Israel. The country has yet to appoint Khamenei’s successor, but there have been speculations on Trump’s involvement in the selection of a new Iranian leader

Trump, in separate interviews, revealed his intentions to be involved in the selection of Iran’s new leader, just as he did in Venezuela.

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Trump Seeks Influence over Iran’s Next Leader (News central TV)
                                  Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain former leader, is being touted as his successor. (Photo: X)

The former Supreme Leader’s 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been suggested as the most likely successor, but Trump said he is unlikely to take the role, adding that he does not want a new Iranian leader who would continue Khamenei’s legacy

“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” said Trump.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and a staunch opponent of the Islamic Government of Iran and Khamenei’s legacy, outlined his vision for Iran over the weekend.

Pahlavi promises an orderly transition to a democratic regime, but Trump has not formally endorsed Pahlavi as Iran’s next leader, and he has expressed doubts about Pahlavi’s ability to lead Iran if the regime collapses.

“I don’t know whether or not his country would accept his leadership. Certainly if they would, that would be fine with me,” Trump said of Pahlavi.

Trump has not yet announced his choice for a new leader. The US President said most of the people his administration had in mind are dead.

Author

  • Olayide Oluwafunmilayo Soaga is a Nigerian journalist with four years of professional experience. She reports on health, gender, education and development, with a focus on impact-driven storytelling.

    She was runner-up for the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Best Solutions Journalism Award in West Africa in 2024 and a finalist for the 2025 West Africa Media Excellence Awards.

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