U.S. President Donald Trump stated Sunday that Iran’s next supreme leader will need his administration’s approval, suggesting a potential U.S. Role in the succession process following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “He’s going to have to obtain our approval,” Trump told ABC News.
The announcement comes as Iranian state media reported Sunday that the clerical body responsible for selecting the successor to the late supreme leader has already voted, with the designated successor to be announced soon. The succession process is being closely watched internationally, as it could significantly impact regional stability and ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Trump explained that he wants to ensure the U.S. Doesn’t have to revisit the situation in the future, referencing previous administrations. “We want to build sure we don’t have to travel back in 10 years when you don’t have a president like me who isn’t going to do it,” he said. He did not rule out accepting a successor with ties to the existing ayatollah regime, provided they are a “quality leader.”
The current military offensive, Trump added, is a response to Iran’s alleged ambition to “take over the entire Middle East.”
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi affirmed Sunday that the identity of the country’s next supreme leader remains unknown and rejected any external interference in the succession process. He stated that the Iranian people are the ones who should choose their new leader. “We do not allow anyone to interfere in our internal affairs,” Aragchi told NBC News.
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