Barcelona – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted he should have a voice in determining the next Supreme Leader of Iran, following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a strike on Tehran last Saturday. The attack was part of a joint offensive launched by the United States and Israel against the country, according to reports. “I have to be involved, like with Delcy (Rodríguez) in Venezuela,” Trump stated in an interview with Axios, drawing a parallel to his previous involvement in Venezuelan political affairs.
The death of Ayatollah Khamenei, who had ruled Iran for nearly four decades, marks a pivotal moment for the Islamic Republic. Iranian state television confirmed Khamenei’s death Saturday night, following the predawn strikes. Trump, in a Truth Social post, called the ayatollah “one of the most evil people in history,” framing the event as a victory for both Americans and those impacted by Khamenei’s policies globally.
According to NBC News, the U.S. Launched “major combat operations” in Iran, working in conjunction with Israel. The U.S. Focused on dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs, while Israel targeted Iranian political and military leaders, two U.S. Officials reported. The strikes resulted in over 200 deaths and roughly 700 injuries, as reported by the Iranian Red Crescent.
Trump has indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader, is a likely candidate for succession, but stated he would uncover that “not acceptable.” “They’re wasting their time. The son of Khamenei is nobody. I have to be involved,” Trump declared, adding, “We want someone who brings harmony and peace to Iran.” He reiterated this stance in an interview with Reuters, emphasizing the desire for U.S. Participation in the selection process to avoid repeating similar situations every five years, and to find a leader “who is great for the people, great for the country.”
Mojtaba Khamenei, a hardline cleric, has been identified by some media outlets as a potential successor. The body responsible for choosing the latest Supreme Leader has indicated a swift process, with an announcement potentially coming soon. Despite surviving attacks from Israel and the U.S., Mojtaba Khamenei has experienced personal loss, including the deaths of his father, mother, wife, and a sister.
Trump’s statements represent the clearest indication yet of his intention to exert influence over Iran’s political future, mirroring his approach with Venezuela. However, this approach potentially complicates the initial justification for the military action – preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons – as it appears to shift the focus towards regime change. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated on Monday, “Here’s not a war of regime change,” a statement that appears to be at odds with Trump’s public pronouncements.
Support for Kurdish Dissidents
Beyond influencing the selection of Iran’s next leader, Trump has also encouraged Iranian Kurdish dissidents to participate in efforts to overthrow the current regime. “I think it’s wonderful that they want to do it, I would be totally in favor,” he told Reuters. When asked about potential U.S. Air cover for Kurdish groups crossing the border from Iraq, he responded, “I can’t tell you that.”
Reports indicate that Iranian Kurdish militias have consulted with the United States regarding potential attacks on Iranian security forces in western Iran. In the Iraqi Kurdistan region, various Iranian Kurdish opposition groups have begun mobilizing fighters near the border. CNN reports that the CIA has been working to arm Kurdish forces to foment popular unrest within Iran.
The U.S. Has stated it has no plans to deploy troops to Iran “at this time,” but has not ruled out the possibility of a limited ground invasion. In response, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned on X (formerly Twitter), “Some American officials have declared that they intend to enter Iranian territory with several thousand troops. The brave sons of Imam Khomeini and Imam Khamenei await you, ready to disgrace these corrupt American officials by killing and capturing thousands of people.”
The situation remains highly volatile, with Iran retaliating against Israel and U.S. Bases across the Middle East, including in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in an exclusive interview with NBC News, indicated Iran is interested in de-escalation and willing to talk if the U.S. And Israel halt attacks, but asserted that regime change is “mission impossible.”
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died at the age of 86, had led Iran since 1989, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. Reports from Tehran indicate that news of Khamenei’s death was met with celebrations in some parts of the city, with residents cheering and playing celebratory music.
The coming days will be critical as Iran navigates its leadership transition and the international community assesses the evolving geopolitical landscape. The U.S. And Israel’s continued actions, and Trump’s insistence on a direct role in shaping Iran’s future, will undoubtedly be key factors in determining the next chapter of this complex situation. The next steps in the selection of a new Supreme Leader are expected to be announced shortly by the Iranian regime.
