US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran’s next supreme leader would not last long without Washington’s approval as Tehran prepares to announce the successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in recent US-Israeli strikes.
Nine days after the attack on Khamenei’s compound triggered a wider Middle East war, Iran’s Assembly of Experts met privately and reportedly selected the country’s next leader.
Members of the clerical body said the decision had been made but did not disclose the name, stating that an announcement would come soon.
Speculation has grown that Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late supreme leader, could take over the position. Trump had earlier dismissed the possibility, describing the younger Khamenei as an unacceptable “lightweight.”
Speaking in a television interview on Sunday, Trump said Iran’s next leader would need Washington’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,” the US president said.
Iran quickly rejected the remarks. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the selection of a new supreme leader was strictly an internal matter for the country.
“We will allow nobody to interfere in our domestic affairs,” Araghchi said during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, adding that Trump should “apologise to the people of the region” for the expanding conflict.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military issued its own warning, saying any successor to Khamenei could also become a target if the war continues.
Airstrikes darken Tehran
Israel’s military operations continued overnight with strikes on fuel storage facilities in and around Tehran. Iranian officials said five oil sites were hit, killing at least four people and causing massive fires that sent thick smoke across the capital.
Authorities said the fires temporarily disrupted fuel distribution in the city of more than 10 million residents. A heavy haze reportedly covered parts of Tehran, with many residents complaining about the strong smell of burning fuel and hazardous air conditions.
Officials warned that the smoke could be toxic and advised residents to remain indoors.
“The blaze has been burning for more than 12 hours. The air has become unbreathable,” one resident said.
Conflict spreads across region
The conflict has now entered its ninth day, with both sides continuing attacks across the region. Iranian forces launched missile strikes toward Israel, triggering explosions over Tel Aviv and leaving several people injured, according to emergency services.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they still have enough weapons supplies to continue drone and missile operations for up to six months.
Elsewhere in the region, Saudi Arabia reported two deaths after a projectile struck Al Kharj province, while Kuwait said fuel tanks at its international airport were hit during an attack. Bahrain also reported damage to a desalination plant.
Iran’s health ministry said at least 1,200 civilians have been killed and about 10,000 injured since the war began, though the figures have not been independently verified.
In Lebanon, health officials said Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 394 people since the country was drawn into the conflict a week ago.
Global concern grows
Despite escalating violence, Trump suggested the war was close to being won and did not rule out sending US ground troops into Iran.
He also spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer about military cooperation, with the UK allowing the US to use its regional bases for defensive operations.
Analysts warn there is still no clear path toward ending the conflict, which US and Israeli officials say could continue for weeks.
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi criticised the war, saying it should “never have happened” and warning the world must not return to “the law of the jungle.”
Pope Leo XIV also called for peace, praying that “the roar of the bombs may cease and a space for dialogue may open.”
What you should know
Iran’s Assembly of Experts has reportedly chosen a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in US-Israeli strikes, but the identity of the new leader has not yet been revealed.
The development comes as the war between Iran and Israel continues to expand across the Middle East, with rising civilian casualties, regional attacks and growing international concern over a prolonged conflict.
