President Donald Trump has declared that the new Iranian leader will need his endorsement to stay in power.
Approval From The US
Trump told ABC News on Sunday that the new Iranian leader’s tenure would be short without his approval. “He’s going to have to get approval from us,” the president said. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long.”
When asked about his willingness to approve a leader with links to the old regime, Trump confirmed his readiness. “I would, in order to choose a good leader I would, yeah, I would. There are numerous people that could qualify,” he said.
In another discussion with The Times of Israel on Sunday, Trump stated that the decision to end the war with Iran would be “mutual… a little bit” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, he clarified that the final decision would be his.
“I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything’s going to be taken into account,” said Trump.
Iran Leadership Shift Draws Criticism
Trump’s declaration comes amid a backdrop of escalating military tensions and a leadership transition in Iran. On Sunday, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was named the country’s new supreme leader, according to the state media.
Trump previously said that he needed to be “personally involved” in selecting Iran’s next leader and rejected Mojtaba Khamenei’s candidature, calling him a “lightweight.”
Meanwhile, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) sharply criticized the new Iranian Supreme Leader, saying he is not the change Iran needs and accusing him of enjoying privilege while ordinary Iranians suffer. The Republican senator added that Mojtaba Khamenei could ultimately face the same fate as his father, whom he described as one of the world’s most evil men.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by a Benzinga editor.
Photo courtesy: Joey Sussman/Shutterstock
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