Breaking: Trump Says He Must Be Personally Involved in Choosing Iran’s Next Leader

* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-says-he-needs-be-involved-selecting-irans-next-leader-axios-reports-2026-03-05/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Axios](https://www.axios.com/2026/03/05/iran-leader-trump-khamenei?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Vanguard News](https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/03/i-must-approve-irans-next-leader-trump/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-not-expanding-military-objectives-iran-hegseth-says-2026-03-05/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Breaking: Trump Says He Must Be Personally Involved in Choosing Iran’s Next Leader

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he must be personally involved in the process of selecting the next leader of Iran, a statement that has drawn global attention as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.

Speaking in an interview with Axios on Thursday, Trump said the United States should play a direct role in shaping Iran’s political future following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

The Iranian clerical body responsible for choosing a new leader has already begun the succession process, but the U.S. president insisted Washington must have a say in the outcome.

Trump also rejected the possibility of Mojtaba Khamenei—the son of the late leader—becoming the next supreme leader, describing him as “unacceptable” and a “lightweight.” He argued that Iran needs a leader capable of bringing stability and peace to the country.

“I have to be involved in the appointment,” Trump said, adding that the United States wants someone who will lead Iran in a way that prevents future conflict with Washington.

The comments come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran following a wave of military strikes and retaliatory attacks across the region.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and increased fears of a wider regional war.

Iranian officials, however, have indicated that the decision on the country’s next leader will be made internally by the Assembly of Experts, the powerful clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader.

An interim leadership council has reportedly been established to manage state affairs until a new leader is formally announced.

Trump’s remarks signal a potentially controversial shift in U.S. policy, suggesting a willingness to influence leadership changes within Iran—an approach that critics warn could further inflame tensions in an already volatile region.