PANews reported on March 6th, citing Axios, that President Trump stated in an interview on Thursday that he needs to be personally involved in choosing Iran's next leader, just as he did in Venezuela. Trump acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the assassinated Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, is the most likely successor, but also made it clear that he considers this outcome unacceptable. For several days, the Iranian regime has delayed announcing its successor. However, statements from Iranian political figures on Thursday suggested that an announcement may be imminent. Trump said, "They're wasting their time. Khamenei's son is an insignificant person. I have to be involved in the appointment process, just as I did with Delcy Rodriguez in Venezuela." He added that he rejects any new Iranian leader who would continue Khamenei's policies, which would force the United States to return to war "within five years."