President Donald Trump said Friday that while the future leadership of Iran remains uncertain, his primary concern is not whether the country adopts democratic rule, but whether its next leader is committed to peace and stability in the Middle East.
In an interview with CNN host Dana Bash, Trump said he is optimistic about Iran’s eventual leadership following the ongoing conflict that has significantly weakened the regime. The president explained that the most important qualities for Iran’s next ruler would be fairness, stability, and a willingness to treat the United States and its allies responsibly.
Trump indicated that he would not oppose a religious figure taking power in Iran, saying that the identity and character of the individual matter more than the system of government itself.
“I mean, it depends on who the person is. I don’t mind religious leaders. I deal with a lot of religious leaders and they are fantastic,” Trump told Bash.
The president laid out what he believes the next Iranian leader must do in order to stabilize the region.
“I’m saying there has to be a leader that’s going to be fair and just, do a great job, treat the United States and Israel well, and treat the other countries in the Middle East — they’re all our partners,” he said.
Trump also pointed to what he described as strengthened relationships between the United States and several Middle Eastern nations during his leadership.
“And I became very friendly with all those countries. That’s why they’re all fighting for us,” he said.
The president criticized previous administrations for what he described as strained relations with key allies in the region.
“Before I got involved, we didn’t even speak to UAE and Saudi Arabia. You know, (President Joe) Biden shut [them] out. Biden and (President Barack) Obama shut Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, he shut them all out. They were all going to go to China, and I got involved in a very short period of time that became my friends,” Trump said.
Trump’s comments come as the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign known as “Operation Epic Fury” continues to reshape the balance of power inside Iran. The operation, launched last weekend, has reportedly eliminated much of the country’s top leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
U.S. forces have also severely damaged the Iranian regime’s military infrastructure, including naval assets, other military capabilities, and elements of its nuclear program. Despite the scale of the operation, the Trump administration has revealed limited details about its long-term plans or whether American forces would ultimately support efforts aimed at regime change.
However, Trump’s recent remarks have offered the clearest indication yet that the United States may seek to influence the formation of Iran’s next government.
After reports surfaced that remaining Iranian leaders had chosen Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, as a potential successor, Trump rejected the idea.
“We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Trump said in remarks to Axios. “They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight.”
The president warned that if Iran’s next leader simply continues the policies of the current regime, it could force the United States back into conflict within a few years.
According to reports, radical Muslim leaders, including figures within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, pushed for Mojtaba to assume power.
Trump has also voiced support for Iranian citizens who have protested the regime in recent months. After announcing Operation Epic Fury last Saturday, the president delivered a direct message to the Iranian people.
“To the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,” Trump said.
He urged citizens to remain safe during the ongoing military campaign but suggested that once the operation concludes, the Iranian people could have a historic opportunity to reclaim control of their country.
“When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take,” Trump said. “This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
