Trump Says He Must Personally Choose Iran's Next Leader, Calls Mojtaba Khamenei "Unacceptable"

President Trump told Axios on Thursday that he "personally must have a role" in selecting Iran's next leader, drawing a parallel to his approach in Venezuela. In an eight-minute phone call — his second interview with Axios to outline his war plans — Trump identified Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the former Supreme Leader, as the most likely successor but declared the prospect "absolutely unacceptable." "They are wasting their time. Khamenei's son is a weak figure," Trump said, adding: "We want someone who will bring coordination and peace to Iran."