The president of the Estados Unidos, Donald Trump, declared this Sunday (8) that the next supreme leader of the Irã will not last long in office if he does not receive explicit approval from Washington. The statement was made in an interview with the ABC channel The name of the new leader is expected to be announced soon by the Iranian state press.
Trump reinforced that the Estados Unidos need to be directly involved in the transition of power in Teerã to guarantee stability in the region. Ele has repeatedly criticized the possibility of Mojtaba Khamenei, the late supreme leader’s son, taking over the post, describing him as unacceptable and a dead weight for the country’s future. The American president emphasized that he is looking for a leader capable of promoting harmony and treating Estados Unidos, Israel and other Oriente Médio countries well, regardless of the government model adopted.
The minister of Relações Exteriores of Irã, Abbas Araghchi, refuted the statements in an interview with the NBC program Meet the Araghchi demanded that Trump apologize for what he classified as the murders and destruction caused by the military campaign initiated by Estados Unidos and Israel.
The spokesperson for Casa Branca, Karoline Leavitt, reported that reports received by the American government point to Mojtaba Khamenei as one of the main candidates for succession, which led to internal discussions about the role of
Trump statements about succession
Trump has held a series of interviews in recent days to detail his position. On Thursday (5), on the website Axios, he defended personal involvement in choosing the new supreme leader and rejected Mojtaba Khamenei as a viable option. The president stated that the deceased ayatollah’s son would not bring peace to Irã and that Washington wants someone who prioritizes positive relations with American allies.
On Friday (6), in an interview with CNN Internacional, Trump declared that the new leader needs to be fair and correct, with adequate treatment to Estados Unidos, Ele reiterated that he does not care whether the future regime will be democratic, as long as it meets the interests of regional peace.
This Sunday (8), on ABC News, Trump was direct in stating that the successor “will have to obtain our approval” and that, without it, “it will not last long”. The speeches come as the war between the US/Israel and Irã enters its second week, with intensified air strikes and Iranian rejection of any unconditional surrender.
Context of succession in Irã
The death of Ali Khamenei in bombings on Teerã opened the succession process in Irã. The Assembleia of the Especialistas, made up of 88 ayatollahs, is the body responsible for selecting the supreme leader, a lifetime position that concentrates religious and political power in the country.
Iranian state media confirmed that voting has been completed and the announcement of the name is imminent. Relatos indicate a rush among religious leaders to define a replacement amid the escalating conflict.
Mojtaba Khamenei appears as a central figure in the speculation, although Trump has publicly ruled him out on multiple occasions. The discussion about succession gained relevance after Trump stated that the Estados Unidos intend to influence the transition to avoid repeating cycles of tension every few years.
Iranian reactions to American demands
Iranian authorities maintain a firm stance against external interference. Minister Abbas Araghchi highlighted that the Iranian people will decide their future without impositions from foreign powers. Ele criticized the ongoing military campaign and demanded a retraction from Trump for the losses caused.
The government in Teerã continues to reject demands for unconditional surrender made by Trump in social media posts. Autoridades Iranian women claim that the country resists pressure and maintains response capacity, even with losses in military installations and infrastructure.
Succession occurs in the context of prolonged war, with Trump estimating a duration of four to five weeks or more to achieve military objectives. American focus includes neutralizing nuclear threats and influencing the new power arrangement in Teerã.
Casa Branca’s position on the post-war period
Internal discussions within the Trump administration evaluate the role of the Estados Unidos in rebuilding the Irã after the conflict. Spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt mentioned that the government is analyzing options to support a leader aligned with American interests and regional allies.
Trump indicated in statements that, following the surrender or collapse of the current regime, Washington would work to make Irã economically stronger, with partnerships and allies. Ele made any future agreement conditional on the selection of an acceptable leader.
The Iranian succession process is progressing in parallel with military operations, with an official announcement expected in the coming hours or days.