US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran’s next Supreme Leader will need Washington’s approval to remain in power. Speaking in an interview with ABC News, Trump said anyone who fails to secure US support “is not going to last long.”
Trump emphasized that his administration aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, seeking a permanent solution to the issue. He added that he would consider supporting a potential leader with ties to Iran’s previous ruling structure if that person could ensure stability.
Describing Iran as a “paper tiger”, Trump claimed the country had planned to expand its influence across the Middle East before recent developments halted those ambitions. He also indicated that military options, including sending special forces to secure Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, remain on the table.
The remarks come as Iran’s clerical body responsible for selecting a successor to the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reportedly concludes voting, with an announcement of the new leader expected soon.
