PANews reported on March 2nd, citing the New York Times, that in an interview, Trump stated that the US military intends to continue its attack on Iran for "four to five weeks" if necessary, and insisted that Israel and the US "would not have difficulty" maintaining the intensity of the conflict. He also warned that there could be more US casualties. When asked about his plans for the transition of power, Mr. Trump stated that he hopes Iran's elite forces (including senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who wield significant influence and profit from the current regime) will hand over their weapons to the Iranian people. In the approximately six-minute call, Trump also stated that he has three "very good" candidates to lead Iran, but declined to name them. He repeatedly mentioned his experience in Venezuela, possibly suggesting that he believes the methods that worked there are also applicable to Iran. He also stated that he is willing to lift sanctions on Iran if the new Iranian leadership demonstrates a pragmatic and cooperative attitude. However, he also declined to say how (or if) his administration will defend the Iranian people, whom he believes should overthrow the current government.