‘Worst-case scenario’: Trump weighs replacing Khamenei as leader of Iran | Donald Trump News
Trump Discusses Leadership Prospects in Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict
Washington, D.C. — President Donald Trump has addressed potential leadership scenarios in Iran following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During a press briefing in the Oval Office on Tuesday, alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump was asked about his strategies for a potential “worst-case scenario” in the region amid escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Trump expressed limited concern over military actions but voiced apprehension regarding the possibility of a successor to Khamenei who might not align with U.S. interests. “The worst case would be we do this and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person,” he stated. “We don’t want that to happen.”
Since the commencement of U.S. and Israeli military operations on February 28, Iran has retaliated with a series of strikes, primarily targeting U.S. and Israeli military installations across the Middle East. The conflict has resulted in at least 787 deaths in Iran and casualties among U.S. forces, with reports indicating the loss of at least six service members.
The Trump administration has provided various justifications for the military campaign, although experts have criticized these actions as violations of international law. Trump indicated that the removal of Khamenei’s government was a pivotal rationale for the intervention. In a previously recorded statement, he claimed the aim was “eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime” and encouraged dissent within Iran, urging opposition members to seize control.
While some administration officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, have sought to minimize the emphasis on regime change, Trump reiterated a connection between military intervention and governance in the region.
Iran and Venezuela: A Model for Change?
In his remarks, Trump drew parallels between Iran and Venezuela, referencing the U.S. military attack there which led to the ousting of President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, alongside his wife, currently faces legal challenges in New York related to drug trafficking. Following Maduro’s removal, Delcy Rodriguez was installed as the interim leader with the Trump administration’s backing, and her government has reportedly complied with U.S. demands, including oil agreements.
“Venezuela was incredible because we did the attack and kept the government totally intact,” Trump remarked, expressing satisfaction with the results of the intervention. He highlighted the economic benefits derived from U.S. control over Venezuelan oil, noting that the partnership has been productive.
However, Trump acknowledged significant obstacles in replicating Venezuela’s outcome in Iran, pointing out the loss of key leadership figures due to ongoing military actions. “Most of the people we had in mind are dead,” he said, suggesting that alternatives are becoming increasingly scarce.
Trump has shown tentative interest in Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, as a potential leader. Pahlavi has proposed himself as an interim candidate advocating for democracy, yet he faces criticism due to his father’s authoritarian regime and allegations of divisiveness among opposition groups.
When questioned about Pahlavi’s viability as a leadership candidate, Trump remained noncommittal, stating, “Some people like him,” but emphasized a preference for “somebody that’s there, that’s currently popular.” He concluded with a nod to Pahlavi’s persona, calling him “a very nice person.”
