News Desk: In a striking and controversial claim, US President Donald Trump has said that people in Iran wanted him to take over as the country’s Supreme Leader—an offer he asserted he declined.
Addressing a Republican fundraiser in Washington DC, Donald Trump claimed that Iranian officials are privately in contact with the United States but are hesitant to admit it openly. He also alleged, without offering evidence, that they fear potential US retaliation.
Trump: ‘there’s never been a head of country that wanted that job less than being the head of Iran’
‘We listen to some of things they say. They say ‘I don’t want it”
”We’d like to make you the next Supreme Leader’. ‘No thank you, I don’t want it” https://t.co/GWvchTeKHj pic.twitter.com/XsqG9yHinN
— RT (@RT_com) March 25, 2026
“There’s never been a head of a country that wanted that job less… No, thank you. I don’t want it,” Trump said.
According to circulating reports, Khamenei has been succeeded by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, though there has been no official confirmation from Tehran.
Diplomacy Signals Amid Escalation
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Trump indicated a possible diplomatic opening with Iran. He revealed that his administration has paused planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, instructing the Department of Defense to delay military action for five days.
Describing ongoing engagements as “constructive,” Trump suggested the pause would depend on progress in backchannel negotiations, hinting at a cautious shift toward de-escalation.
Iran’s Response Remains Uncertain
Even as diplomatic signals emerge, tensions on the ground remain high. Iran is reportedly continuing military actions against Israel and parts of the Gulf region, including an incident that triggered a fire at Kuwait International Airport.
Trump maintained that US officials are in contact with Iranian counterparts but did not disclose further details about the nature or scope of the talks.
High Stakes, Unverified Claims
While Trump’s remarks add a dramatic twist to the already volatile US-Iran dynamic, several of his claims—including leadership changes in Tehran—remain unverified. The situation continues to evolve, with global attention fixed on whether diplomacy or escalation will define the next phase of the conflict.
