US President Donald Trump has strongly criticised Iran’s appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, saying he does not believe the cleric will be able to “live in peace”.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, recently took over the top post in the Islamic Republic.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he was unhappy with Tehran’s choice. “I don't believe he can live in peace,” Trump said.
Trump Calls Appointment ‘Unacceptable’
Speaking to Axios, Trump described Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation as “unacceptable” and said he wanted a leader who would “bring harmony and peace to Iran”.
The US president warned that appointing someone who would continue the policies of Ali Khamenei could push the United States back into conflict “in five years”.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei's son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela,” Trump said.
‘He’s Not Going To Last Long’
Trump also suggested that Iran’s new leader would struggle to remain in power without Washington’s backing.
“He's going to have to get approval from us. If he doesn't get approval from us, he's not going to last long,” Trump told ABC News.
“We want to make sure that we don't have to go back every 10 years, when you don't have a president like me that's not going to do it,” he added.
Hardliners Tighten Grip In Iran
Experts said Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection indicates that hardline factions have consolidated control within the Iranian political system.
Clement Therme of the International Institute for Iranian Studies said the development shows that “it's the hardest of hardliners in the Iranian system” who are now in power.
Iran’s leadership transition follows heightened tensions between Tehran, Washington and Israel amid the ongoing regional conflict.