US President Donald Trump has said he has a candidate in mind to replace Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, but declined to provide further details, according to a report by Anadolu Agency on Monday, March 9, 2026. Watch What Happened.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following the death of Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba’s father, during the first wave of US-Israeli attacks on February 28.
“I have no message for him. None, whatsoever,” Trump told CBS News when asked about his plans regarding Iran’s leadership. Despite withholding specifics, the president has been openly critical of Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment, describing it as “a big mistake” and expressing skepticism about the young leader’s ability to maintain control.
Trump’s comments follow a series of statements warning that any Iranian leader who fails to gain Washington’s approval “would not last long.” According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump reportedly informed aides privately that he would support extreme measures, including the potential removal of Mojtaba Khamenei, should he refuse to comply with US demands — key among them the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, which the United States has repeatedly identified as a national security threat.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, officially became Iran’s third Supreme Leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, stepping into his father’s role amid unprecedented military escalation in the region. His appointment has already sparked controversy both domestically and internationally, with concerns over his political experience and ability to manage the complex internal and external pressures facing Iran today.