Trump makes new Iran war admission over preferred successors to Ayatollah Khamenei | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIndependent StaffTuesday 03 March 2026 23:02 GMTTrump admits ‘worst case’ in Iran strikes could see new leader ‘as bad or worse than the ayatollah’Donald Trump made a striking admission on Tuesday, revealing that individuals once considered preferred successors to lead Iran following the death of Ayatollah Khamenei have all since died following US strikes in the country.His comments come amid escalating regional tensions and concerns that the US could be drawn into another "endless war", a prospect his administration has downplayed."Most of the people we had in mind are dead," he informed reporters, before adding, "Now, we have another group. They may be dead also, based on reports. So I guess you have a third wave coming in. Pretty sure we’re not going to know anybody."Speaking at the White House, Trump had just outlined his worst-case scenario for the conflict, describing it as a situation where "somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person".He elaborated on his concerns, stating: "That could happen. We don’t want that to happen. It would probably be the worst, you go through this, and then in five years you realise you put somebody in who’s no better."In fullIran-US live updates: Trump says strikes killed Iranian successors he ‘had in mind’ as he lashes out at US alliesThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in