Trump says Iran leadership ‘gone’ as Tehran rallies for Mojtaba Khamenei

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has said the war involving the United States and Iran is close to ending. He has claimed that Iran’s leadership structures have been severely weakened by recent military strikes.

Speaking about the conflict, Trump suggested the military campaign had already achieved most of its objectives and could conclude soon.

“I think the war is very complete, pretty much,” Trump said, adding that the operation is “far ahead of schedule.”

In his remarks, Trump also claimed that Iran’s leadership structure had been dismantled during the conflict.

“Everything they have is gone, including their leadership,” Trump said. “There are two levels of leadership and even more than that, and they’re gone.” 

He further asserted that the United States would continue its campaign until the threat from Iran is completely neutralised.

“We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated,” Trump said. 

However, developments inside Iran present a contrasting picture. Iranian authorities have already moved to establish new leadership following the death of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

The country’s powerful Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. 

In Tehran, thousands of supporters gathered in the streets, waving Iranian flags and expressing support for the newly appointed leader, signalling continued backing for the country’s political establishment despite the ongoing war. 

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei marks the third leadership transition in the Islamic Republic since the 1979 revolution. Analysts say the move is aimed at maintaining continuity within Iran’s clerical establishment and consolidating authority during the escalating conflict.

While Trump has suggested the war may end soon and that Iran’s leadership has been effectively dismantled, the emergence of a new supreme leader and public rallies in Tehran indicate that the political system in Iran remains intact even as hostilities continue.