President Donald Trump said on Friday that he won’t require Iran’s next leader to be committed to democratic rule, adding that he’s more concerned about the future ruler committing to peace and stability in the region.
Trump, who said on Thursday that he wants to be involved in the process of choosing Iran’s next leader, told CNN host Dana Bash that he’s optimistic about the country’s future leadership. The president said he believes the leader should be “fair and just,” adding that he’s open to the Middle East country putting a “religious” leader in power.
“I mean, it depends on who the person is. I don’t mind religious leaders. I deal with a lot of religious leaders and they are fantastic,” Trump told Bash.
He then laid out what he would expect of Iran’s next leader.
“I’m saying there has to be a leader that’s going to be fair and just, do a great job, treat the United States and Israel well, and treat the other countries in the Middle East — they’re all our partners,” he added.
Trump touted his relationship with countries in the Middle East, saying that his relationship with most of them has flourished.
“And I became very friendly with all those countries. That’s why they’re all fighting for us,” he said. “Before I got involved, we didn’t even speak to UAE and Saudi Arabia. You know, (President Joe) Biden shut [them] out. Biden and (President Barack) Obama shut Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, he shut them all out. They were all going to go to China, and I got involved in a very short period of time that became my friends.”
The joint U.S.-Israeli military operation launched last weekend has taken out most of Iran’s top leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. U.S. forces have also decimated the regime’s navy, military assets, and nuclear infrastructure. The Trump administration has been careful about how much information it releases on its plans for “Operation Epic Fury” and whether U.S. forces would be used to push for regime change.
Trump’s comments on Thursday were the clearest hint yet that the United States could have a major role in setting up Iran’s next government. After the remaining Iranian leaders reportedly selected Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, to take over, Trump told Axios that the appointment was “unacceptable.”
“We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” Trump said. “They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight.”
Trump added that any Iranian leader who would just continue the policies of the now crumbling regime would force the United States back into a war in “five years.” Radical Muslim leaders, including Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reportedly lobbied for Mojtaba to get the appointment.
Trump has expressed support for the Iranians who took to the streets in recent months to protest the regime. After announcing “Operation Epic Fury” last Saturday, Trump urged Iranians to take control of their authoritarian government once the dust settles after America’s major military operation.
“To the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand,” he said. “Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.”
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