Trump Describes Iran’s New Supreme Leader as a ‘Significant Error’
Donald Trump has expressed disapproval of Iran’s selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as supreme leader, labeling it a “big mistake.”
Trump stated to NBC News, “I believe they (Iran) made a significant error” in choosing Mojtaba Khamenei.
He previously referred to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son as a “lightweight.” Trump stated that it’s “too soon to talk about” seizing Iran’s oil, but he “doesn’t rule it out.”
Additionally, Trump stated on Monday that the conflict with Iran would be a “short-term excursion,” while asserting that the United States and Israel “haven’t won enough” against Tehran.
Trump’s remarks during a meeting with congressional Republicans at his golf club in Doral, Florida, added to the ambiguity surrounding his timeline, as he stated in a CBS News interview that the conflict was “very complete, pretty much.”
In a speech, Trump stated, “We took a little excursion because we felt we had to do that to get rid of some people.” I believe you will find that this will be a brief journey.
The 79-year-old reiterated his claims regarding the obliteration of the Iranian navy, air force, and missile program. However, Trump—whose previous remarks on CBS suggesting that the end of the war was near had led to a rise in stocks and a decline in oil prices—stated that the United States and Israel still had more work ahead.
“We’ve achieved success in numerous aspects, yet our victories are not sufficient,” Trump stated, urging for “ultimate victory” over Iran. In reference to the assassination of former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other Iranian leaders, Trump stated that the United States “will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.”
Rubio: Iran Keeping the World Hostage
On Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Iran of attempting to “hold the world hostage” with its retaliatory missile and drone strikes throughout the Gulf region.
During a State Department event recognizing wrongfully detained Americans and hostages, Rubio stated that the United States is “well on our way” to reaching its goals in the ongoing conflict.
“This clerical regime is a threat to the region and the world.” “They are attempting to take the world hostage,” Rubio stated. “They are assaulting neighboring nations, targeting their energy infrastructure and civilian populations.” The aim of this mission is to eliminate their capacity to persist in those actions, and we are making significant progress toward that goal,” AFP reported him as stating.
The comments follow the recent attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, which resulted in the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the longstanding supreme leader of the Islamic republic. Since that time, Iran has initiated missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel and Gulf Arab nations that host US military installations.
Rubio emphasized the situation of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who vanished on Kish Island in 2007, noting that Levinson’s presumed death highlighted the characteristics of the Iranian regime. “Levinson serves as a poignant reminder of the regime we are confronting in Tehran,” Rubio stated. “They were established, regrettably, on an attack against the courageous individuals of our foreign and civil service,” alluding to the 1979 US embassy hostage crisis in Tehran.
Family members of Levinson and other Americans wrongfully detained overseas joined the secretary of state at the event.
Putin Extends “Steadfast Support” to New Supreme Leader
The Russian leader extended his congratulations to Mojtaba Khamenei on Monday morning after his appointment by the regime’s Assembly of Experts. Putin expressed his confidence that Khamenei would carry on his father’s legacy “with honor” and bring the Iranian people together “in the face of severe trials.”
He expressed that Russia would persist in its support for Tehran, stating his desire to affirm “unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends.”
China: The Selection of Iran’s New Leader is a Constitutional Issue
The Chinese government has issued a warning regarding any targeting of Khamenei by the military campaign of the US and Israel.
A spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry stated on Monday that the election of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s third supreme leader was a decision made in accordance with the country’s constitution.
During a daily press briefing, spokesperson Guo Jiakun addressed a related query, stating that China has taken note of the relevant media reports.
On Sunday, Iran’s Assembly of Experts declared that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, has been chosen as the new supreme leader of Iran, as reported by various media outlets.
Mojtaba Khamenei, born in 1969, is the son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who died in the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Starmer Cautions About Greater Economic Consequences
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Monday that the prolonged duration of the Iran war increases the likelihood of its impact on the economy. In discussing the war in Iran, Starmer recognized that the prolonged nature of the conflict would increasingly affect the UK’s economy.
The prime minister stated, “The role of government is clearly to move forward, to anticipate future challenges, and to collaborate with others, and the chancellor engages in daily discussions with the governor of the Bank of England while also considering cross-departmental efforts within the government. This involves assessing risks, monitoring situations, and communicating with our international partners about how we can collectively mitigate the potential impact on individuals and businesses here.”
“Recognizing that this work is necessary is vital, as people will see, and I think you will too, that the longer this situation lasts, the more likely it is to affect our economy and the lives and homes of everyone and every business.”
“Our responsibility is to anticipate challenges, to look beyond the immediate, evaluate potential risks, keep a close watch on them, and collaborate with others accordingly.”
