In an Axios interview Thursday, President Trump asserted he must have a say in choosing Iran’s next supreme leader following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death, contradicting administration officials who deny seeking regime change. Trump specifically rejected Mojtaba Khamenei, the ayatollah’s son and reported frontrunner, calling him “a lightweight.” Comparing it to Venezuela’s Delcy Rodriguez, Trump insisted, “I have to be involved in the appointment.” He warned that accepting any leader continuing current policies would trigger another US war within five years.

Despite the massive US-Israeli bombing campaign that has killed over 1,000 civilians, Iran’s leadership shows no signs of backing down. Trump acknowledged his preferred candidates have been killed and conceded the next leader could ultimately be “as bad” as Khamenei.

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