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Trump Strongly Warns Against Iran's Supreme Leader Succession, Hints at 'Decapitation Strike'
Trump Calls Iran's New Leader Succession a 'Big Mistake,' Issues Strong Warning
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction, calling the election of Mojtaba Khamenei (56), the second son of Ali Khamenei, as Iran's new Supreme Leader a 'big mistake.' President Trump warned that Iran would repeat the same problems and that this decision would not last long. He made it clear that he had no intention of easing pressure on Iran and warned that any provocation, such as blockading the Strait of Hormuz, would incur an incalculable cost. Furthermore, while optimistically stating that the war was nearing its conclusion and would end quickly, he also described it as a journey to remove Iran's leadership, hinting at the possibility of military intervention.
Iran Expresses Will to Resist by Promoting Hardliner Mojtaba
Iran immediately retaliated against President Trump's remarks, maintaining a hardline stance. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of 'Operation Mojtaba's Dedication' by carrying out its first missile attack since Mojtaba Khamenei's election. They warned that in the future, no missile with a warhead weighing less than 1 ton would be launched, and that the power and frequency of launches would be increased, as would their range. Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ali Khamenei, is a veteran of the Revolutionary Guard and is known as a 'shadow power broker' and 'spy master' who controls security and intelligence agencies. He is a key hardliner who earned the nickname 'Bloody Hand' for leading the violent suppression of protests in 2009. The U.S. National Intelligence Council (NIC) previously issued a report stating that the likelihood of regime collapse is low even with a large-scale attack on Iran.
Middle East Tensions Escalate Amid US-Israel 'Decapitation Strike' Speculation
President Trump compared Mojtaba Khamenei to the case of ousting Venezuelan President Maduro, signaling his intention to directly intervene in Iran's succession structure. The Israeli military also issued a statement, warning that not only the successor but also those involved in the election process would be targeted. Despite repeated mentions of a 'decapitation strike' by the United States and Israel, Iran shows no sign of backing down, promoting hardliner Mojtaba as its leader and expressing its will to resist. With limitations in long-range strikes, the possibility of ground troop deployment is being discussed, while Iran is also preparing for counterattacks and the deployment of special forces, bringing tensions in the Middle East to an all-time high.
*Source: YouTube: YonhapnewsTV (2026-03-10)*
