March 11, 2026 | 09:01 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The President of the United States (US) Donald Trump criticized Iran's decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of the country. Trump referred to the move as a "major mistake".
According to NBC News, Trump voiced his criticism on Monday, March 9, 2026, a day after Mojtaba Khamenei officially assumed office as Iran's Supreme Leader. Mojtaba, 56, becomes the third Supreme Leader of Iran since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
Trump said, "I think they made a big mistake." In the same interview, Trump also expressed his doubts about the sustainability of Mojtaba's leadership.
Trump also claimed that Iran's new leader ultimately needs approval from the United States. "He needs to get approval from us," Trump said.
Previously, Trump had asserted for several days that Iran would follow the path of Venezuela by choosing a leader willing to meet Washington's demands. However, Iran's decision to appoint Mojtaba is seen as a form of resistance to that pressure.
Mojtaba's Appointment After Ali Khamenei's Death
Mojtaba replaced his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint US and Israel airstrike on February 28, 2026, at his residence in Tehran. Ali Khamenei previously led Iran for 37 years.
Quoted by Al Jazeera, the attack was part of a wider military operation. In the initial strike, Ali Khamenei, along with several high-ranking Iranian officials, were killed. The attack was then followed by thousands of other strikes that destroyed various areas in Iran and resulted in the deaths of more than 1,250 people.
Iran responded by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones towards Israeli territories and US military assets in the Middle East. Iran's attacks also targeted energy installations and civilian assets in the Gulf region, causing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil trade route.
The regional conflict escalated further as a war also broke out between Israel and the Hezbollah group in Lebanon. This regional tension triggered a sharp spike in global oil prices.
US Claims Victory
Amidst the conflict, Trump declared that the war against Iran is nearly over. He also reiterated demands for unconditional surrender from Tehran.
"I think the war is very complete, pretty much," said Trump. He also added that Iran is "militarily, they have nothing left." Previously, Trump also rejected ruling out the possibility of the US taking over Iran's oil. However, he said it's still too early to discuss that.
"Certainly people have talked about it," said Trump, referring to the case of Venezuela when the US obtained over 80 million barrels of oil after kidnapping its leader, Nicols Maduro.
Read: World Reacts to Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's New Supreme Leader
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