Mojtaba Khamenei Named Iran’s Supreme Leader, Drawing Criticism from Trump

Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been chosen as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, a decision likely to escalate tensions with the United States and draw strong condemnation from President Donald Trump. The appointment of Mojtaba, 56, who cultivated a reputation as a powerful figure operating behind the scenes during his father’s decades-long rule, appears to have solidified the Iranian regime’s defiant stance against the U.S. As the conflict enters its tenth day.

Iranian Officials Vow Continued Resistance

Following the announcement, a wave of senior Iranian officials pledged to continue fighting the widening war. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated, “We pledge that, in defense of the rights of the great Iranian nation, the advancement of national interests and security, and the realization of the lofty goals of the Islamic Revolution, we shall not falter for a moment.” The defense council echoed this sentiment, declaring, “We will obey the commander-in-chief until the last drop of our blood.”

Trump’s Opposition to Mojtaba’s Leadership

These hardline pledges directly contrast with President Trump’s demand for an “unconditional surrender” from Iran, a position reinforced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who asserted that Iran will have “no choice” but to back down. But, some analysts suggest that the prospect of a more conciliatory approach from Iran has diminished significantly.

According to an analyst who spoke with TIME, “If before there was even the slightest of chances that Mojtaba Khamenei might take the country down a path of major reforms, such as those initiated by the Saudi crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman, which would include détente with America, it’s now impossible.” The analyst argued that the loss of his father, mother, wife, and a child during recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes has fueled an “undying desire for revenge” within Mojtaba.

Trump’s Demand for Veto Power Over Iran’s Successor

The selection of Mojtaba also directly challenges Trump’s insistence on having a say in the choice of Iran’s new leader. “I’m not going through this to conclude up with another Khamenei,” Trump told TIME. “They can select, but we have to make sure it’s somebody that’s reasonable to the United States.”

Trump has repeatedly expressed his disapproval of Mojtaba as a viable leader, stating he is “not happy” with the appointment, as reported by Fox News. He previously labeled Mojtaba an “unacceptable” choice, stating, “Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” as reported by MSN.

Trump’s Concerns and Warnings

Trump has also voiced his desire to be actively involved in the selection process, drawing a parallel to the situation in Venezuela after U.S. Forces captured President Nicolás Maduro. He doubled down on his position, expressing his refusal to accept a leader who would simply continue his father’s hardline policies. Accusing Iran of “wasting” time, he dismissed Mojtaba as a “lightweight.”

Trump warned that the new Supreme Leader “is not going to last long” if appointed without U.S. Approval. “He’s going to have to get approval from us. If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” according to the New York Post. He reiterated his desire to avoid repeated interventions in Iran, stating, “We want to make sure that we don’t have to go back every 10 years, when you don’t have a President like me that’s not going to do it.”

Whereas Trump indicated the conflict is “moving along ahead of schedule,” he did not provide a timeline for its resolution.