Trump warns Iran: New leader won’t ‘last long’ without his approval

Iran's Assembly of Experts Nears Decision on New Supreme Leader Amid Ongoing War. Cleric Acknowledges Progress but Notes Remaining Hurdles

Ayatollah Mohammadmehdi Mirbaqeri, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts—the body responsible for selecting the supreme leader—told Mehr News Agency that the panel has largely reached a majority consensus on a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He did not name any candidates but confirmed that "some obstacles" persist in finalizing the process. The comments come as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its second week, with security concerns complicating in-person gatherings and deliberations. Other assembly members have suggested using remote or alternative arrangements to complete the selection, given the risks posed by continued airstrikes.

Trump Open to Successor with Ties to Previous Regime

In recent interviews, President Donald Trump indicated flexibility on Iran's next leader, suggesting he could support someone connected to the old regime if they meet certain criteria."I would, in order to choose a good leader, I would, yeah, I would. There are numerous people who could qualify," Trump said, according to ABC News reporting. Trump has repeatedly emphasized that any new supreme leader would require U.S. approval to endure long-term, warning that without it, the individual "is not going to last long." He has described the goal as ensuring lasting regional stability and preventing future conflicts. Potential Contenders in the Succession DiscussionReports from various sources highlight several figures frequently mentioned as possible successors:

Mojtaba Khamenei — The 56-year-old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with close links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and often viewed as a frontrunner for continuity.

Ali Reza Arafi — A senior Shiite cleric and trusted figure in regime institutions, including leadership of seminaries and roles in the Guardian Council.

Hassan Rouhani — Former president (2013–2021), known for moderate leanings and involvement in the 2015 nuclear deal.

Hassan Khomeini — Grandson of Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, seen as a potential moderate voice, though less embedded in current power structures.

Mohammed Mehdi Mirbagheri — A hardline cleric and head of the Islamic Cultural Center in Qom, popular among conservative factions.

These names reflect the range of hardline, moderate, and dynastic options under consideration amid intense external pressure.

Israel Vows to Target Any Appointed Successor

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a strong warning last week, stating that any successor attempting to "destroy Israel, threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and suppress the Iranian people" would become an "unequivocal target for elimination.""It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides," Katz declared in a post on X, underscoring Israel's intent to disrupt regime continuity through military means. Recent Israeli strikes have focused on Iranian internal security command centers, reportedly aimed at weakening control and potentially encouraging an internal uprising.

Related Developments in the Conflict

Iran has postponed a planned large-scale farewell ceremony for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, originally scheduled to draw massive crowds. Organizers cited security concerns and the expected turnout as reasons for the delay, with no new date announced yet. The succession process unfolds against a backdrop of escalating military operations, including fresh Israeli airstrikes on regime targets, and global market volatility from energy supply disruptions.

(Details compiled from reports by Reuters, AP, ABC News, and other international sources as of March 8-9, 2026.)