Trump says 'someone from within’ Iran should rule after US-Israel military campaign ends

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Tuesday, March 3, said that “somebody from within may be more appropriate” to lead Iran once the US-Israel military campaign ends, signaling that his administration is looking beyond exiled opposition figures as it weighs the country’s postwar future. 

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump made clear that while some outside Iran have supporters, he believes a leader already inside the country would be better positioned to take charge if the current regime falls. 

Trump prioritizes Iran-based leadership over exiled prince

Trump addressed questions about Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s former Shah, who has been floated by some as a possible successor. While he described Pahlavi as “a very nice person,” Trump indicated that the administration has not seriously considered him as a replacement.

“He looks like a very nice person, but it would seem to me that somebody that's there, that’s currently popular, if there’s such a person,” Trump said. He added that the US is aware of individuals inside Iran who are viewed as more moderate and who may have public backing.

Trump emphasized that although “some people like” Pahlavi, the focus remains on identifying someone within the country who could command legitimacy and stability during a transition.

Trump says potential successors may have been killed

The president also acknowledged that some figures previously seen as possible alternatives to Iran’s current leadership may no longer be alive.

“Well, most of the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump said when asked about earlier discussions. He added that another group of potential candidates may also have died “based on reports.”

“So I guess you have a third wave coming in. Pretty sure we're not going to know anybody,” he said, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s political future amid ongoing military operations.

Trump said his chief concern is avoiding a scenario in which a new leader proves just as hostile as the current regime. “The worst case would be do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person,” he said. “We don’t want that to happen.”

Trump defends strikes, calls regime ideology ‘evil’

During the exchange, Trump sharply criticized Iran’s ruling leadership, describing its ideology as dangerous and morally corrupt.

“It’s not the politics, it’s their whole philosophy,” he said. “It’s terrible and just a very evil ideology.”

Trump argued that the regime has posed a global threat for decades, adding that decisive action was necessary. He also praised the timing of the military operation, known as Midnight Hammer, claiming it prevented Iran from advancing toward a nuclear weapon within a short timeframe.

“We did it,” Trump said. “It was great timing.”