Iran’s future will be determined by Iranians, not Trump, officials say

Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh, rejected Donald Trump's desire to influence the selection of Iran's next Supreme Leader in March 2026. Ghalibaf stated that Iran's future would be decided solely by Iranians, not by outside influences, referencing Jeffrey Epstein to criticize Trump's connections. Khatibzadeh questioned Trump's perceived colonial approach, contrasting his desire to topple Iran's democratically elected president with his support for democracy in the US. Trump had expressed a desire to be involved in the appointment of the new Supreme Leader, similar to his role in selecting Venezuela's President Delcy Rodriguez, advocating for a leader who would treat the US and Israel favorably.

The article discusses Donald Trump's apparent desire to replicate his "regime capture" strategy, recently employed in Venezuela, in Iran. Following the alleged removal of Nicolás Maduro and installation of a pro-US successor, Trump expressed interest in influencing the selection of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's replacement after the leader's reported death. Trump believes the Venezuela model, which he calls "decapitate and delegate", could be successful in Iran. However, experts doubt the feasibility of this approach, citing key differences between the two countries. They argue that Iran is less likely to become a "pliable puppet regime" due to its geopolitical position and internal dynamics, making direct US influence on leadership selection improbable.

Amidst reported airstrikes on Iranian leadership and facilities, discussions are intensifying regarding potential successors to the current regime. Experts are debating whether Iran's fractured opposition groups can unite to effectively lead if the government falls. Concerns are being raised about repeating past mistakes, such as a single figure consolidating power as in 1979. Some suggest Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has a key role in uniting opposition forces, while others express skepticism about his leadership. The need for reconciliation and broad alliances among various factions is emphasized to avoid instability and ensure a representative transition of power.