Trump “Not Happy” With Khamenei Son

U.S. President Donald Trump this week made clear his dissatisfaction with Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56‑year‑old son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was appointed to the Islamic Republic’s top post on March 8 following his father’s death amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

Trump told The New York Post he is “not happy with him” when asked about the leadership change, declining to outline specific policy shifts directed at the successor. He also has previously described Mojtaba as a “lightweight” and said he wanted a role in choosing Iran’s next leader — comments that reflect continuing U.S. scrutiny of Tehran’s internal politics.

Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba rapidly after Ali Khamenei’s death, maintaining clerical hard‑liner control during a period of intense regional warfare. He succeeds his father at a time when conflict and diplomatic isolation have shaped Tehran’s domestic and foreign policy priorities.

Trump said in an interview that the United States is “nowhere near” ordering ground troops into Iran to secure nuclear material at the Isfahan enrichment facility. Multiple outlets had reported discussions of deploying ground forces to that underground complex, but Trump emphasized there is no decision or near‑term plan.

“We haven’t made any decision on that. We’re nowhere near it,” he told The Post, after earlier remarks on Air Force One hinted at speculation about future contingencies. The Isfahan site, deeply buried and central to Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts, poses significant strategic and operational hurdles for any ground mission.

Trump’s reluctance to confirm troop plans aligns with his broader reticence to prod detailed operational timelines in public comments. U.S. discussions about military options have been framed against a backdrop of intense air operations, complex nuclear security challenges, and diplomatic uncertainties. Media reports from outlets including Semafor, NBC News, and Axios had described the scenario as an active topic of debate, but Trump says such talks remain distant from action.

His refusal to outline future steps regarding either Iran’s leadership succession or ground force deployment signals a broader pattern of ambiguity in U.S. strategic messaging.