Donald Trump said the United States should play a role in selecting Iran’s next leader and voiced support for Kurdish opposition groups launching attacks inside Iran, according to comments he made to Reuters on Thursday.
Trump said the process of identifying a potential future leader in Iran was still in its early stages but suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei would not be a viable candidate.
“We want to participate in the process of choosing the person who will lead Iran into the future,” Trump said.
He added that Washington was seeking a leader who would be “great for the people and great for the country,” arguing the United States did not want to face repeated crises with Iran every few years.
Trump also encouraged Iranian Kurdish groups to carry out attacks against Iranian forces, saying he supported their efforts.
“I think it’s great that they want to do that, and I completely support it,” he said.
When asked whether the United States would provide air cover for such operations, Trump said he could not confirm that but said the Kurdish goal was “victory.”
“If they’re going to do it, that’s good,” he added.
According to three sources familiar with the discussions, Iranian Kurdish armed groups have recently consulted with the United States about the possibility of attacking Iranian security forces in western Iran.
The groups, which operate near the Iran-Iraq border in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq, are reportedly conducting training exercises for such operations as the United States and Israel continue strikes on Iranian targets.
Trump also expressed confidence that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open despite tensions.
The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil shipments and has been a key strategic pressure point during the conflict.
Iran had previously threatened to close the strait, and shipping traffic there was nearly halted after Iranian forces targeted six vessels.
“They don’t have a navy anymore — it’s at the bottom of the sea,” Trump said. “I’m watching Hormuz very closely.”