US President Donald Trump said he wants Washington to play a role in selecting Iran’s next leader after the death of the country’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while dismissing the possibility of Khamenei’s son succeeding him.
His remarks come as tensions in West Asia continue to escalate following a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 on Iranian territory that resulted in the death of Khamenei and other senior figures.
"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, as quoted by Axios, drawing a comparison to his involvement in political developments in Venezuela in January.
He described Mojtaba Khamenei as "unacceptable" and said he would prefer a leader who could bring "harmony and peace" to Iran, warning that a continuation of his father's policies could lead to renewed conflict with the United States in the future.
"Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran," the US President added, according to Axios.
Trump also said Iran had reached out to Washington seeking negotiations amid ongoing US and Israeli strikes, but added that the request had come too late.
“They [Iran] are calling; they are saying, 'How do we make a deal?' I said, 'You are being a little bit late.' Now we want to fight more than they do,” Trump said while speaking at an event with the Inter Miami CF soccer team on Thursday (local time).
Tehran responded to the strike with waves of drone and missile attacks targeting American military bases in several Arab countries and Israeli assets across the region as the conflict entered its seventh day. Israel has also continued strikes on Tehran while expanding operations to Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah.
Trump said the US military, working closely with Israeli forces, was targeting Iran’s missile and drone capabilities under the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.
“The United States military, together with the wonderful Israeli partners, continues to demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule and at levels that people have never seen before. We are destroying more of Iran's missiles and drone capability every single hour,” he said, as quoted by ANI.
He also claimed that Iran’s Air Force and Navy had suffered extensive damage in the strikes.
“They don't know what is happening... Their Navy is gone, 24 ships in three days... Their anti-aircraft weapons are gone, so they have no Air Force... All of their aeroplanes are gone... their communications are gone, missiles are gone, launchers are gone, about 60 per cent and 64 per cent, respectively,” he said.
The US president also warned Iran’s military forces to surrender, saying they would be given immunity.
“I'm once again calling on all members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, the military, and the police to lay down their arms. They are only going to be killed. And now is the time to stand up for the Iranian people and help take back your country,” he said.
“Accept immunity; we will give you immunity, or you will face absolutely guaranteed death,” he added.
Trump also urged Iranian diplomats posted abroad to seek asylum and help shape what he described as a new future for the country.
“We also urge Iranian diplomats around the world to request asylum and to help us shape a new and better Iran with great potential,” he said.
“The United States will ensure that whoever leads the country next, Iran will not threaten America or its neighbours,” Trump added.
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