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Trump says he is 'disappointed' that Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran's supreme leader

Office of the Iranian Supreme Le
Office of the Iranian Supreme Le
Mar 9, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump National Doral Miami in Miami, Florida, U.S., March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Trump National Doral Miami in Miami, Florida, U.S., March 9, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque — Kevin Lamarque

DORAL, Florida, March 9 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he was "disappointed" that Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his slain father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the supreme leader of the country.

"We think it's going to lead to just more of the same problem for the country," Trump told reporters at a press conference in Florida.

When asked whether the new leader had a target on his back, Trump said it would be "inappropriate" to say whether or not he does.

(Reporting by Nandita Bose and Ryan Patrick Jones)