US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Iran’s next supreme leader would not remain in power for long if the United States does not approve the choice. His remarks came as Iranian authorities were preparing to announce the successor to the late Ali Khamenei.

Trump made the statement during an interview with ABC News, where he suggested that the new Iranian leader would need Washington’s acceptance.

“He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump told ABC News. “If he doesn’t get approval from us he’s not going to last long.”

His comments came at a sensitive time, as Iran’s religious leadership body had already voted on who would take over the country’s highest position.

Iran Decides on Khamenei’s Successor

Iran was preparing to officially reveal its new supreme leader on Sunday. This announcement was expected after a week of intense military conflict that followed air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

The strikes destroyed fuel storage sites and caused large fires across Tehran. Thick smoke spread across the Iranian capital, worsening the tense atmosphere in the city.

The responsibility of choosing a new supreme leader lies with the Assembly of Experts. This powerful religious body meets to appoint or replace the country’s top leader.

According to Iranian media reports, the group has already completed the voting process.

“The vote to appoint the leader has taken place and the leader has been chosen,” said Ahmad Alamolhoda, speaking to the Mehr news agency.

He explained that the assembly’s secretariat would announce the selected leader’s name later. Other members of the group also confirmed that a decision had been reached. One member hinted that the position might go to the son of the late leader.

Israel Issues Warning to Iran’s Leadership

Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu’s government warned that Israel could target the incoming Iranian leader if tensions continue to escalate. Israeli officials also said members of the Assembly of Experts who participated in confirming the new leader could be potential targets.

To reinforce this warning, Israel carried out new military operations overnight.

Israeli forces reportedly struck fuel storage sites in and around Tehran again. At the same time, they launched an attack on a hotel in the center of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. The strike was believed to be aimed at Iranian military commanders staying at the location.

These operations demonstrated Israel’s ability to reach targets far beyond its borders.

Iran Says It Can Continue War for Months

The conflict between Israel and Iran has now entered its ninth day. Despite the pressure, Iran said it has enough resources to continue its military campaign. The country’s elite military unit, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that it still has sufficient weapons and equipment.

According to the group, Iran can sustain its aerial war involving drones and missiles across the Middle East for up to six months. This statement signals that the confrontation in the region may continue for a long time, even as Iran prepares to introduce its new supreme leader.