President Trump says Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is an unacceptable replacement to run Iran; “I have to be involved in the decision,” Trump said.
In an interview with Axios, Trump said he intends to play a role in shaping the country’s leadership transition following the killing of Iran’s longtime ruler, Ali Khamenei, during the ongoing U.S.–Israeli military campaign.
Trump revealed the plan during an eight-minute phone call with the outlet, his second recent conversation with Axios to discuss the administration’s war planning.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump said, referring to Mojtaba Khamenei, who has widely been viewed as the most likely successor.
“I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela,” Trump added.
The president said that he would not accept a successor who continues the policies of the late Iranian leader, warning that doing so would only lead to renewed conflict in the future.
“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Trump said.
Iran’s leadership has delayed announcing a successor in the days since the strike that killed Khamenei, though statements from Iranian political figures suggested Thursday that a decision could be imminent.
Trump’s comments represent one of the most explicit statements yet about Washington’s potential role in shaping Iran’s political future and appear to go further than the administration’s official position on the war.
More over at Axios:
Exclusive: Trump says he must be involved in picking Iran's next leader https://t.co/Gsmx6cstyz
— Axios (@axios) March 5, 2026
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