Trump Advocates for Regime Change in Iran Following US Airstrikes
The day following the United States' precision airstrikes on three significant Iranian nuclear sites, known as Operation Midnight Hammer, former President Donald Trump has called for a change in Iran's government. This announcement contrasts with previous statements from Trump's administration, which had indicated that the military strikes were not intended to overthrow the Iranian leadership.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” This has sparked renewed international debate about the U.S.'s long-term strategy towards Iran.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his office have yet to formally react to Trump's remarks. Nonetheless, the statement has been met with criticism from diplomats and analysts concerned that such rhetoric could hinder prospects for future diplomatic negotiations in the region.
Under Iran's constitution, the process for selecting the Supreme Leader's successor involves the Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 elected clerics. A candidate must receive at least 45 votes from this assembly to be appointed. In urgent situations, leadership responsibilities are temporarily managed by a council made up of the president, the chief justice, and a cleric from the Guardian Council.
Amidst ongoing speculation regarding Khamenei's health, attention has shifted to several clerics who are reportedly being considered by the regime as potential successors:
| Candidate | Background |
|---|---|
| Alireza Arafi | Deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts and a pivotal figure in Qom’s seminary system, Arafi’s conservative reputation and religious influence make him a strong candidate. |
| Hashem Hosseini Bushehri | An influential cleric and Khamenei ally, Bushehri leads the Qom Seminary Society and is regarded as a stabilizing force. |
| Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei | Currently serving as Iran’s Chief Justice, he has experience in both the judiciary and intelligence sectors from his tenure under former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. |
| Mojtaba Khamenei | As the Supreme Leader’s son and a mid-ranking cleric with connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), his influence is notable, though his candidacy is controversial due to Iran’s aversion to hereditary succession. |
With the discourse on succession intensifying, geopolitical experts caution that Trump’s comments may further destabilize the already tense region, particularly following recent military actions. While global leaders advocate for moderation, Iran is evaluating its next steps after the significant damage to its nuclear facilities.
