Trump signals decisive control over Iran’s future leadership while vowing to stop nuclear ambitions permanently.
US President Donald Trump declared that Iran’s next supreme leader would need American approval to remain in power, warning that any leader who fails to gain such approval “is not going to last long.” His remarks came during an interview in which he emphasized Washington’s determination to prevent the Iranian regime from rebuilding its nuclear weapons program.
Trump explained that the United States wants to ensure the current confrontation ends permanently rather than allowing Iran to restart its nuclear ambitions in the future. He stressed that Washington is determined to avoid a situation where the world is forced to confront the same threat again within a few years.
“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump said, referring to whoever emerges as Iran’s next supreme leader. “If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long.” The President added that the goal is to secure long-term stability by ensuring Iran is led by someone who does not pursue nuclear weapons.
When asked whether a leader connected to Iran’s existing leadership structure could still be considered acceptable, Trump indicated that it would depend on the individual. He said that numerous figures could potentially qualify if they demonstrated responsible leadership and moved away from the regime’s dangerous nuclear ambitions.
Trump also described Iran as a weakened power whose aggressive plans for the Middle East had been exposed. He said Iran had previously been preparing for a sweeping regional offensive intended to dominate the entire Middle East but claimed that these ambitions had now been disrupted.
The President further warned that Washington has not ruled out additional military or strategic actions aimed at preventing Iran from accessing nuclear materials. When asked about the possibility of sending special forces to seize enriched uranium stockpiles, Trump replied that every option remains under consideration.
Over the weekend, Trump met with the families of six US service members who were killed during the conflict. He said the families urged him to continue the mission and secure victory, describing the meeting as emotional but filled with pride for the sacrifices made.
Despite criticism from some political allies, Trump insisted that public support for the campaign remains strong. He said the effort to confront Iran aligns closely with his political movement’s goals of protecting American security and preventing hostile regimes from threatening global stability.
