Trump calls for involvement in selecting Iran’s next leader, dismissing Mojtaba Khamenei as “average” amid uncertainty about succession.
Iran’s Succession Uncertainty
Iranian authorities have not yet announced who will succeed Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an American-Israeli attack. However, statements from Iranian politicians suggest they may announce a decision soon.
Trump told Axios on Thursday, March 5, that Iranian authorities are “wasting time.”
Trump’s Evaluation of Mojtaba Khamenei
The American president stated that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, “is an average person.”
Trump added that “he must be involved” in appointing the new leader of Iran, just as was the case with Venezuela. When American forces captured Nicolas Maduro, the presidential duties were taken over by his deputy, Delcy Rodriguez.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s Military Connections
56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is known for his close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The opposition portal Iran International reported that for many years he was a key link between his father and the command of this formation.
According to journalists, Mojtaba Khamenei is widely regarded as one of the architects of the repression system with which the authorities suppressed anti-government protests in Iran.
Israel’s Position on Iran’s Leadership
Trump said that “someone from within” the Iranian establishment may be most disposed to take power after the war ends.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that any leader from the “Iranian terrorist regime” would be “a clear target for elimination.”