Arabic version: ترامب يؤكد السيطرة على قيادة إيران مع ارتفاع عدد الضحايا الأمريكيين

President Donald Trump has reiterated his intent to influence the selection of Iran’s next Supreme Leader, asserting that any leader chosen without U.S. approval will not endure. This statement follows the announcement from Iran’s Assembly of Experts regarding the replacement for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed shortly after the onset of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran on February 28. According to Al Jazeera, Trump emphasized the necessity of U.S. approval for the new leader’s legitimacy, expressing concern about future military actions if Iran were to pursue nuclear capabilities.

Iranian officials have rejected Trump’s claims of U.S. influence over their domestic affairs. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi reaffirmed that the selection of the new leader is solely the responsibility of the Iranian people, highlighting the electoral process that led to the Assembly of Experts’ authority in this matter.

Trump’s comments came just before the Pentagon confirmed the death of a seventh U.S. soldier since the conflict began. The unidentified soldier succumbed to wounds from an attack on U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia on March 1, exacerbating the ongoing military toll. In contrast, casualty figures in Iran have reportedly reached 1,332, with additional fatalities across the Gulf and in Israel.

As the conflict escalates, U.S. and Israeli forces have targeted oil facilities in Tehran, while Iran has retaliated with strikes across the Gulf, including a drone attack on a desalination plant in Bahrain. The situation has raised significant concerns about global oil prices. In response, Trump administration officials are working to alleviate fears of prolonged economic disruptions. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described the situation as a “short-term disruption,” while Energy Secretary Chris Wright downplayed the potential for an energy crisis, emphasizing the U.S. strategic oil reserves.

Despite Trump’s initial promise to end “endless wars,” he indicated that military operations against Iran could extend for “four to five weeks,” without a definitive time limit. The administration’s approach continues to be scrutinized as the political landscape shifts ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.