Middle East Conflict: Trump demands say in Iran next leader, rejects Khamenei son; war day 6 spreads to Azerbaijan. Forget post-strike plans, says 10-yr nuclear halt.
Defense Sec Hegseth Briefs with CENTCOM's Cooper - Trump Vows Iran Decimated for 10 Years No Rebuild (Image: File)
President Trump declared Thursday he must play a role in selecting Iran's next leader, labeling the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son "unacceptable" as the Middle East war entered day 6. The conflict widened with Israeli strikes in Lebanon and Tehran, plus first Iranian drones on Azerbaijan. Trump told ABC News to "forget about" Iran's post-war future after US destroys its nuclear program.
Trump called Khamenei's son "unacceptable" in an Axios interview, injecting uncertainty into the expanding war. The remarks came amid sixth-day hostilities. US Gulf allies face interceptor shortages from relentless Iranian missiles/drones, per CBS News. Trump aims to shape power vacuum outcomes. Regional spread includes new Israeli actions in Lebanon and Tehran.
In a phone interview with ABC, Trump dismissed post-strike concerns. military success noted but flagged "what happens next." Trump replied: "Forget about next. They are decimated for a 10-year period before they could build it back." He urged focus on current destruction of nuclear capabilities. No detailed transition plans emerged.
Israeli strikes targeted Lebanon and Tehran Thursday. Iran hit Azerbaijan with drones for the first time, escalating regionally. Gulf states rapidly deplete interceptors defending against barrages. Conflict shows no de-escalation signs. Broader Middle East involvement grows daily.
Pete Hegseth will brief alongside Admiral Brad Cooper, US Central Command chief overseeing Middle East forces. Event at CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa during Hegseth's visit. Marks Cooper's first presser since weekend campaign launch. Details expected on operations and next phases.
A: Son of late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Trump claims role in choosing successor.
A: Decimated for 10 years; told ABC to "forget about next" after US strikes.
A: Azerbaijan (first drones), Lebanon (Israeli strikes), plus Tehran targets.
A: Defense Sec Pete Hegseth with CENTCOM's Adm Brad Cooper in Tampa.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
