Trump, Confidently Calls Iran's Move "A Big Mistake"... Khamenei Also Feared Mojtaba's Succession Before His Death
by Seo Jiyeong
Published 16 Mar.2026 10:29(KST)
Updated 16 Mar.2026 10:36(KST)
CBS Reports: "Not Considered Fit to Be Supreme Leader"
According to foreign media reports, concerns existed over the possibility that Mojtaba, the second son of the late Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei-who died as a result of attacks by the United States and Israel-would inherit power. U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly briefed President Donald Trump on this issue.
U.S. intelligence briefed Trump: "Mojtaba not considered particularly intelligent"
On March 15 (local time), CBS News, citing multiple sources, reported that U.S. intelligence agencies analyzed that Khamenei had concerns about his own son succeeding him as Supreme Leader. This analysis was conveyed to President Trump and a small circle of his closest aides.
The elderly Khamenei was wary of a situation in which his son Mojtaba would eventually seize power, as Mojtaba was regarded as not particularly intelligent and therefore unqualified to become the leader. According to sources, Khamenei was also aware that Mojtaba had issues in his personal life.
Trump on Mojtaba’s succession in Iran: "A big mistake... not sure it will last"
Mojtaba had served for years as a close aide to his father, and after Khamenei’s death, he was elected Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts in Iran on March 8.
In response, President Trump criticized the decision in an interview with NBC the following day, saying, "I think they made a big mistake," and added, "I don’t know if that decision will last long." In a Fox News interview, he also described Mojtaba as a "lightweight" figure and said he was "unacceptable" as a leader of Iran.
President Trump currently considers Iran to be effectively leaderless, and reportedly believes there is a possibility that Mojtaba may have already died. The White House assesses that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is currently in control of the situation in Iran.
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