Washington DC, USA:  U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the United States should have a role in the selection of Iran’s next Supreme Leader following the recent leadership uncertainty in the country.

In an interview with Axios, Trump said he would not support the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as the next head of the Islamic Republic.

Trump emphasized that Iran needs a leader who can promote peace and reconciliation. According to him, appointing someone who continues the same policies followed by Khamenei could lead to renewed conflict in the near future.

He also criticized Mojtaba Khamenei’s potential candidacy, describing him as an unsuitable choice for leading the country. Trump indicated that the United States should intervene in the leadership process to ensure stability in the region.

Drawing a comparison with Venezuela, Trump said he previously played a role in political developments there and could do the same regarding Iran’s future leadership.

Reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei had already been sanctioned by the United States government in the past. U.S. authorities accused him of acting as a representative within his father’s office despite not holding any official government position.

Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch, has also expressed his intention to lead the country temporarily if the opportunity arises. Pahlavi said he would establish an interim administration and draft a new constitution aimed at transforming Iran into a secular democratic state.

He further stated that any leader emerging under the current Islamic Republic system would lack legitimacy.

Trump’s remarks have intensified global debate over Iran’s political future and the possible direction of its leadership transition. Analysts say the situation has added further uncertainty to the already fragile political landscape in the Middle East.