Donald Trump stated that he wants to participate in the election of Iran's next supreme leader, amid the escalating war between Washington, Israel, and the Islamic Republic, a conflict that has already spread to several countries in the Middle East.

In a telephone interview with the American media outlet According to Axios, the US president ruled out cleric Mukhtaba Khamenei, son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who died during the initial US-Israeli bombing campaign of the conflict, as a candidate. “They’re wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is insignificant. I have to be involved in the nomination,” said Trump, who added that he wants to influence the selection “like with Delcy in Venezuela.” The president was referring to Delcy Rodriguez, who assumed power in Venezuela after the capture of Nicolas Maduro during a US military operation that brought him to the United States to face federal drug trafficking charges, as Trump himself recalled in the interview. “We want someone who will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” the US president stated. Trump’s remarks come as the United States and Israel continue bombing Iran for the sixth consecutive day, in an offensive targeting its political leadership, military capabilities, and nuclear program. The conflict began after the Initial attacks led to the death of Iran's supreme leader, triggering a power succession process in Tehran. According to international media reports, the war has escalated rapidly and now affects at least 14 countries in the Middle East and surrounding regions, with attacks and clashes in Lebanon, the Persian Gulf, and other strategic areas. Iranian authorities have responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel, US military bases, and Washington's allies in the region.