Trump Seeks Role in Selecting Iran's Next Leader, Rejects Khamenei's Son as Successor

Following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike, former US President Donald Trump stated he must be personally involved in selecting Iran's next leader. Trump criticized Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's son and a likely successor, calling him "unacceptable" and a "lightweight." Drawing parallels to US involvement in Venezuela's leadership, Trump expressed a preference for a leader who would bring peace to Iran and warned that continuation of current policies could lead to renewed conflict within five years. Iranian authorities have yet to announce a successor amid ongoing internal consultations, while the US denies regime change as the military campaign's objective. Trump also encouraged Kurdish forces to take offensive actions against Iran's security forces.