In First Reaction, Trump Says He Is 'Not Happy' Over Appointment Of Iran's New Supreme Leader

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 12:02 IST

Mojtaba's selection came almost a week after the US and Israel launched a joint strike against Iran, resulting in the death of the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. 

In the first reaction following the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader, US President Donald Trump on Monday said he was “not happy".

Speaking to Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade, Trump said, “I am not happy with Iran’s selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader."

Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the son of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was appointed as Iran’s new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts on Mondat. The appointment comes after Ali Khamenei was killed in joint strikes by Israel and the United States on February 28.

The clerical body confirmed he was “appointed and introduced as the third leader of Iran, based on the decisive vote of the respected representatives of the Assembly of Experts".

Mojtaba’s selection came almost a week after the United States and Israel launched a joint strike against Iran, resulting in the death of the former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Earlier in the morning, Trump, while speaking to The Times of Israel, declined to offer a formal assessment of Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation as Iran’s new Supreme Leader, and asserted, “We’ll see what happens."

Trump declined to provide an extensive critique of the selection, despite his previous public assertions that the younger Khamenei was a “lightweight" and an “unacceptable" candidate.

Notably, before the official announcement, Trump had expressed a desire for a role in the succession process. Speaking to ABC News, the US President suggested that the longevity of any new Iranian leader depended on American recognition.

“If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long," Trump had said.

News world In First Reaction, Trump Says He Is 'Not Happy' Over Appointment Of Iran's New Supreme Leader

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