U.S. President Donald Trump is “not happy” with Iran’s selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, warning that the leadership change could further complicate relations between Washington and Tehran.
Trump made the comments during an interview with Fox News, responding to the announcement that Mojtaba Khamenei had been chosen to lead Iran following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
When asked about the new leader, Trump said he does not believe Mojtaba Khamenei “can live in peace,” signaling skepticism about the future direction of Iran’s leadership.
Despite the criticism, Trump also indicated that diplomatic discussions with Iran could still be possible depending on the circumstances and terms of negotiations.
Mojtaba Khamenei was selected as Iran’s new supreme leader in March 2026 after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled the Islamic Republic for decades. The country’s Assembly of Experts is responsible for choosing the supreme leader, the highest authority in Iran’s political and religious system.
The position holds significant power, overseeing Iran’s military, judiciary and major state policies.
Trump’s comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following military operations and ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Analysts say leadership changes in Tehran could influence the direction of regional security and diplomatic negotiations.
With Mojtaba Khamenei now serving as Iran’s supreme leader, global attention remains focused on how Iran’s new leadership will approach regional conflicts and relations with the United States and its allies.
