United States President Donald Trump has declared that he must be involved in the selection of Iran’s next Supreme Leader after the death of Ali Khamenei, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In an interview with Axios on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Trump dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s 56-year-old son and a widely speculated successor, as a “lightweight.” He stated, “They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela.”
Trump was referencing Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed the role of acting president in Venezuela earlier this year following the U.S. capture and extradition of former leader Nicolás Maduro on drug-related charges.
The president emphasized that he would reject any candidate who continues Khamenei’s policies, adding, “Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran.”
Trump also claimed that many potential successors had been killed in recent strikes amid the ongoing conflict. The remarks follow a large-scale U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iranian sites starting February 28, 2026, which has led to significant casualties, retaliatory attacks, and regional instability.
Iran has not yet officially named a new Supreme Leader and has declared 40 days of national mourning for Khamenei, who ruled for nearly four decades.
The U.S. involvement in Iran’s leadership transition has sparked debate, with no immediate response from Iranian officials.
