US President Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump said he wants Washington to play a role in choosing the next leader of Iran after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while denying the possibility of Khamenei’s son succeeding him.His remarks came as tensions in West Asia continued to escalate after the United States and Israel launched a joint military strike on Iranian territory on February 28, resulting in the death of Khamenei and other senior figures.
“They are wasting time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in this appointment, just like Delsi [Rodriguez] Axios quoted Trump comparing political developments in Venezuela to his involvement in January.He described Mojtaba Khamenei as “unacceptable” and said he preferred a leader who could bring “harmony and peace” to Iran, warning that continuing his father’s policies could lead to another future conflict with the United States.“A Khamenei son is unacceptable to me,” the US president added, according to Axios. “We want someone who can bring harmony and peace to Iran.”Trump also said Iran had sought talks with Washington amid continued attacks by the United States and Israel, but added that the request came too late.“them [Iran] On the phone; they said, ‘How do we make a deal?’ I said, ‘You’re a little late.’ Now we want to fight more than they do,” Trump said at an event with the Inter Miami football team on Thursday (local time).As the conflict entered its seventh day, Tehran responded to the attacks with drone and missile attacks targeting U.S. military bases in several Arab countries and Israeli assets in the region. Israel has also continued its attacks on Tehran while expanding operations into Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah.Trump said the U.S. military was working closely with the Israeli military to target Iran’s missile and drone capabilities in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.“U.S. forces, along with their outstanding Israeli partners, continue to eliminate the enemy well ahead of time and at a level never seen before. We are destroying more of Iran’s missile and drone capabilities every hour,” ANI quoted him as saying.He also claimed that the Iranian air force and navy suffered extensive losses in the attack.“They don’t know what happened… Their navy is gone, 24 ships are gone in three days… Their anti-aircraft weapons are gone, so they have no air force… All their aircraft are gone… Their communications are gone, their missiles are gone, their launchers are gone, about 60 percent and 64 percent respectively,” he said.The US president also warned Iranian troops to surrender, saying they would be granted immunity.“I once again call on all members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, army and police to lay down their arms. They will only be killed. Now is the time to defend the Iranian people and help take back the country,” he said.“Accept immunity; we will give you immunity or you will absolutely face death,” he added.Trump has also urged Iranian diplomats abroad to seek asylum and help shape what he calls a new future for their country.“We also urge Iranian diplomats around the world to apply for asylum and help us shape a new and better Iran with great potential,” he said.“The United States will ensure that no matter who leads this country next, Iran does not threaten the United States or its neighbors,” Trump added.
