Donald Trump has criticised Iran’s appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader, calling the choice “unacceptable” and warning that the new leader must gain U.S. approval to remain in power.
U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with Iran’s appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump reportedly described the decision as “unacceptable” while reiterating his demand for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” amid the ongoing conflict involving U.S. and Israeli forces.
Speaking during a broadcast interview referenced by Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade, Trump insisted that continued military strikes were aimed at weakening the Iranian leadership. “It’s where they cry or when they can’t fight any longer,” the president said, adding, “We’ve wiped out their leadership numerous times already.”
Trump further warned that Iran’s new leader must gain U.S. approval to remain in power. “He’s going to have to get approval from us. If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” he said, cautioning that a successor “as bad as the previous person” would represent a “worst-case scenario”.