‘I Know Exactly Who…’: Trump Hints At Iran's Next Leader After Khamenei's Killing

Last Updated:March 01, 2026, 10:03 IST

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, was killed on Saturday after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iranian targets.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) hinted at Iran’s next leader following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US and Israeli strikes.

“I know exactly who, but I can’t tell you," Trump responded after CBS News asked him about who he believes is currently taking decisions in Tehran after Khamenei’s death.

When further pressed on whether there was someone in Iran he would like to see lead the country, Trump responded, “Yes, I think so. There are some good candidates."

He was also asked directly who would replace Khamenei. “I don’t know, but at some point they’ll be calling me to ask who I’d like," he said, before adding, “I’m only being a little sarcastic when I say that."

Before Iran’s confirmation, Trump announced the killing of the 86-year-old cleric he described as “one of the most evil people in History."

The US President further said that it was now “much easier" to hold talks with Iran following Khamenei’s death.

“This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their country," Trump posted on Truth Social, adding that “heavy and pinpoint bombing" would continue “as long as necessary to achieve our objective of peace throughout the Middle East."

Khamenei, who led Iran for more than three decades, was never publicly recorded as having named a successor, leaving uncertainty over who will assume control of the country’s powerful religious and political establishment.

Khamenei Killed In Airstrikes

His comments came hours after Iran’s state television confirmed the assassination of the Supreme Leader in recent strikes. The Iranian government also announced 40 days of mourning following the killing of Khamenei.

According to Israel’s Channel 12, a photograph of Khamenei’s body was shown to Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Following the Khamenei’s killling, Iranian National Security Council said the assassination will be the launchpad for a great uprising against the tyrants.

Khamenei’s family were also killed in the strikes that began on Saturday morning, including his daughter, grandchild, daughter-in-law and son-in-law.

Iran’s Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, were also reported killed in the strikes.

News world ‘I Know Exactly Who…’: Trump Hints At Iran's Next Leader After Khamenei's Killing

Read More