U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred debate after saying he believes the United States should be involved in selecting Iran’s next leader following the death of the country’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.
Speaking in an interview with Axios, Trump said Iran would be making a mistake if it tried to choose a new leader without U.S. involvement.
According to him, the country would be “wasting its time” if it proceeded with the succession process on its own.
Trump acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, is widely considered a likely successor. However, he strongly opposed the idea.
“Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” Trump said. “I have to be involved in the appointment.”
The former president also warned that if the next leader continues the policies of the previous administration, it could lead to renewed tensions between Iran and the United States.
Trump added that such a situation could spark another conflict within the next five years.
“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” he said.