Reported claim
“President Donald Trump stated that Mojtaba Khamenei is a lightweight and expressed opposition to his assumption of power, indicating Trump intends to be involved in selecting Iran's next leader.”
Reported by 13 sources.
Sources
Trump had previously made other disparaging comments regarding Mojtaba Khamenei, dismissing him as a 'lightweight' and an 'unacceptable' leader.2026-03-27
"Khamenei's son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy Rodriguez in Venezuela," Trump said. "We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran."2026-03-20
Trump had earlier told Axios that Mojtaba Khamenei was among the leading candidates to succeed his father but described the possibility as "unacceptable." He also suggested that the United States should have a role in determining Iran's next leadership2026-03-10
Trump had earlier told Axios that Mojtaba Khamenei was among the leading candidates to succeed his father but described the possibility as "unacceptable." He also suggested that the United States should have a role in determining Iran's next leadership2026-03-10
Trump had earlier told Axios that Mojtaba Khamenei was among the leading candidates to succeed his father but described the possibility as "unacceptable." He also suggested that the United States should have a role in determining Iran's next leadership2026-03-10
Khamenei's son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy Rodriguez in Venezuela2026-03-06
I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela2026-03-05
I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela2026-03-05
I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela2026-03-05
US President Donald Trump said he intends to play a direct role in selecting Iran's next leader, explicitly calling Mojtaba an "unacceptable" choice
on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he intends to play a direct role in selecting Iran's next leader, explicitly calling Mojtaba an "unacceptable" choice.
on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he intends to play a direct role in selecting Iran's next leader, explicitly calling Mojtaba an "unacceptable" choice.
US President Donald Trump said he intends to play a direct role in selecting Iran's next leader, explicitly calling Mojtaba an "unacceptable" choice
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