President Trump Signals Disapproval of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iranian Proxies Pledge Loyalty to New Supreme Leader

President Trump expresses dissatisfaction with Iran's new Supreme Leader as Israel warns of continued radicalism and regional proxies pledge their loyalty.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 5:32 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Times of Israel

Presidential Discontent and the Search for a Successor

President Donald Trump stated on Monday that he is "not happy" with the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, Ali Khamenei, as the Supreme Leader of Iran. Speaking to the media after a dignified transfer ceremony for fallen U.S. soldiers, the President hinted that he has a specific replacement in mind for the role, though he declined to provide a name or a detailed plan for implementation. Trump emphasized that any future Iranian leadership must meet with American approval, a stance that reinforces the administration's goal of ensuring a friendly or at least non-hostile government in Tehran. This rhetoric follows the President's assessment that the current military campaign has already effectively neutralized Iran's primary naval and aerial capabilities.

Israel Equates New Leader with Previous Regime

The Israeli Foreign Ministry has reacted sharply to the transition of power, dismissing any hope that Mojtaba Khamenei represents a departure from the "stained" rule of his predecessor. Israeli officials characterized the new leader as another tyrant destined to continue the regime's legacy of regional brutality and radicalism. UN Ambassador Danny Danon further noted that changing the figurehead does not inherently change the ideological nature of the Islamic Republic. Danon suggested that Israel’s ongoing military operations are intended to create the necessary conditions for the Iranian people to eventually choose a leader who does not promote the radical ideas of the current establishment.

Weakening Command and Control Amid Internal Rifts

According to a senior Israeli official familiar with the current strategy, there are early indications that the centralized command-and-control structure within the Iranian regime is beginning to weaken. While reports suggest the emergence of internal rifts, the official warned that there is no evidence a total "crack-up" is imminent. Furthermore, the official expressed skepticism regarding the strategy of arming ethnic minorities such as the Kurds, noting that such a move could alienate the broader Iranian majority and complicate long-term stability. The current objective remains the elimination of major military targets, which may eventually force the regime to accept a ceasefire on American terms.