Trump Says He Wants to Pick Iran’s Next Supreme Leader

Trump has stated he wants a say in who will lead Iran after the current Supreme Leader’s death. He claims this is part of a plan to change the Iranian regime, not just remove its top cleric. Iran’s political system is built on a mix of religious, security and government bodies that have long resisted foreign influence. The country remembers past attempts by outside powers to install a ruler, like the 1979 revolution that overthrew the Shah. In his remarks, Trump compared Iran to Venezuela, noting how the U. S. helped remove Nicolás Maduro without violence. He said he would only accept a “great and acceptable” leader once Iran surrenders unconditionally.This stance could disappoint Iranians who hoped the removal of the Supreme Leader would lead to a broader change. Iran’s succession process is secretive and usually decided by a group of senior clerics called the Assembly of Experts. Reports say the current leader’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is a likely candidate, but Trump has called him unacceptable. The Assembly’s meetings were disrupted by recent bombings, so it is unclear if a decision has been made. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) holds significant power in Iran’s politics and economy. If a new leader emerges, Israel has warned it would become an “unequivocal target. ” Only Trump openly discusses the sensitive topic, stating that many potential candidates are already dead.