US President Donald Trump has said he wants to be personally involved in selecting Iran’s next leader, signalling a potential American role in shaping the country’s future political leadership, according to remarks reported by Axios.Speaking to the outlet on Thursday, Trump said Washington should have a say in who succeeds Iran’s current leadership, arguing that the United States must ensure the next figure at the helm of the Islamic Republic brings “harmony and peace” to the country.“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Axios quoted Trump.
The comments suggest a willingness by the US President to directly influence a leadership transition in Tehran, a move likely to intensify debate over US involvement in Iran’s internal affairs.Trump also indicated that he believed his personal involvement was necessary in shaping the outcome of any leadership change in the country.“I have to be involved in the appointment,” he said, drawing a comparison to his stance on leadership matters elsewhere. Trump told Axios this would be “like with Delcy [Rodríguez] in Venezuela”, referencing the Venezuelan political figure in a remark that appeared to link Washington’s foreign policy approach in different regions.The comments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western powers and renewed speculation over the future leadership of the Islamic Republic, where the position of supreme leader holds ultimate political and military authority.Any suggestion of US involvement in determining Iran’s next leader would represent a dramatic escalation in Washington’s posture towards Tehran, and could provoke strong reactions from Iranian officials who have long rejected foreign interference in the country’s political system.
