Trump warns Iran’s new leader Mojtaba Khamenei, says “he won’t live in peace”

US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp warning to Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, saying he does not believe the Iranian leader “can live in peace” following his elevation to the country’s top political and religious post.

Speaking in a media interview, Trump criticised Iran’s decision to select Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of late leader Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new Supreme Leader. Trump said he was “not happy” with the choice and warned that continuing the policies of the previous leadership could prolong tensions with the United States.

“I don’t believe he can live in peace,” Trump said while referring to the new Iranian leader, adding that Washington would prefer leadership in Tehran that seeks stability and cooperation rather than confrontation.

Trump further suggested that if Iran continues on its current path, the situation could push the region back into conflict within the next few years. His remarks come as the US-Israel military campaign against Iran continues, with missile strikes and drone attacks reported across several parts of the Middle East.

Despite the criticism, Trump indicated that talks with Tehran may still be possible under certain conditions. He said the United States has received signals that Iran may be open to negotiations, although no formal diplomatic engagement has been announced.

The leadership transition in Iran has taken place amid heightened regional tensions following the death of Mojtaba's father and Iran's supreme leader Aytatollah Ali Khamenei during the ongoing conflict.

The conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States has already expanded across several countries in the Middle East, raising fears of a wider regional war and prompting international calls for de-escalation.