BREAKING: Trump rejects Khamenei’s son, demands involvement in selecting Iran’s new leader

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he wants to play a role in determining who becomes the next leader of Iran following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

Trump made the remarks during an interview with Axios on Thursday, where he addressed speculation about the succession of Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who is widely seen as a leading candidate to replace his father.

“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump said. “I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela.”

Trump was referring to Delcy Rodríguez, who became acting president of Venezuela earlier this year after U.S. forces captured former leader Nicolás Maduro and transferred him to New York to face drug-related charges.

The U.S. president also stated that he would not accept any Iranian leader who plans to continue the policies of the late Khamenei.

“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Trump said.

Trump further claimed that several individuals previously seen as potential successors may have been killed during recent military strikes linked to the ongoing conflict in the region.

His comments come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East after a large-scale military campaign by the United States and Israel targeted several sites in Iran, prompting retaliatory attacks and creating uncertainty over the country’s future leadership. 

Iran has not yet officially announced a new Supreme Leader.