U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly opposed the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s powerful clerical body, the Assembly of Experts, announced Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new top religious and political authority on 8 March 2026.
The announcement came days after Ali Khamenei died during escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Trump reacted quickly and criticised the decision. He described Mojtaba Khamenei as “unacceptable.” He also argued that Iran should not keep leadership within the same family.
In addition, Trump said the United States should have influence over who becomes Iran’s next leader.
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He also warned that any new Iranian leader could struggle to stay in power without wider international support. His remarks reflect Washington’s continued tension with Iran over regional security and nuclear issues.
However, Iranian officials rejected the criticism. They insisted that choosing the country’s Supreme Leader remains an internal matter that foreign governments cannot control.
Analysts say Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise may signal the continuation of hard-line leadership in Iran. As a result, tensions between Tehran and Western powers could increase.
The Supreme Leader holds the highest authority in Iran. The position controls the military, judiciary, and major state institutions.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment is also historic. It marks the first time leadership in the Islamic Republic has effectively passed from father to son since the Iranian Revolution.
