US President Expresses Discontent Over Iran's New Supreme Leader

In a recent development, the US President voiced his discontent regarding the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader. This decision follows the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during US and Israeli airstrikes. The President's comments come amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing military actions from both the US and Iran. As the situation unfolds, discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu are expected to influence future decisions regarding the conflict. Read on for more insights into this critical geopolitical issue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 9, 2026, 10:01 IST

US Reaction to Iran's Leadership Change

Following the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Iran's new supreme leader, the US President expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision. This change in leadership comes after the elder Khamenei was killed during coordinated airstrikes by the US and Israel on February 28.

In an interview with Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade, the President stated, "I am not happy" regarding the appointment. When asked about Mojtaba's new role, he declined to comment further, simply saying, "We'll see what happens," to a reporter from an Israeli media outlet.

Additionally, the President indicated that any decisions regarding the conclusion of the Iran conflict would involve discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He praised Netanyahu, suggesting that without their collaboration, Iran might have posed a significant threat to Israel. "I think it’s mutual… a little bit. We’ve been talking. I’ll make a decision at the right time, but everything’s going to be taken into account,” he remarked.

As the conflict in the Middle East continues into its tenth day, both the US and Israel are actively conducting airstrikes on Iranian targets. In retaliation, Iran has been targeting US military installations and oil facilities across Gulf nations, including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.