Trump says he should be involved in choosing Iran’s next Supreme leader

Washington | Desk: Amidst the continued attacks on Iran by the US and Israel, US President Donald Trump has made a major and controversial statement. Trump has stated that he should be involved in the selection process for Iran's next supreme leader.

In an interview with a news website, Trump made it clear that he wants a leader in Iran who can bring peace and harmony to the region.

Trump flatly rejected Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was considered the frontrunner to succeed him. Targeting the 56-year-old, Trump called him a "lightweight" and said he has no experience in governance.

Citing Venezuela as an example, Trump said he wants the same level of activism in Iran as he played in the appointment of Delcy Rodriguez there.

Meanwhile, tensions in the region are high. Iran's retaliatory attacks on Israeli and US bases continue.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also took a tough stance, warning that if Iran's next leader continues to pose a threat to Israel, he too will be "eliminated." Trump's statement has now intensified discussions about whether the US and Israel's ultimate goal is complete regime change in Iran.