Trump hints at preferred successor for Iran as Israel expands airstrikes

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he has a clear vision of who should assume leadership in Iran following the announcement of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death.

In a telephone interview with CBS News on Saturday, Trump was asked who he believed was now leading Iran.

He responded, “I know exactly who, but I cannot tell you.” Pressed on whether there is someone he would like to see take the helm, Trump added, “Yes, I think so. There are several good candidates.”

He did not provide further details, leaving questions over the future political direction and leadership of Iran in the wake of the crisis.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces announced another series of airstrikes targeting Iranian ballistic missile launch sites and air defence systems as part of a widening military campaign against the Islamic Republic.

According to an official statement from the Israel Defense Forces, aircraft and military assets struck strategic missile sites and defence installations, including multiple systems in western and central Iran.

The operation is intended to diminish Iran’s offensive capabilities against Israeli-controlled territories.

Earlier strikes focused on targets described by Israel as direct threats to regime security, reportedly involving hundreds of combat jets and scores of sites across Iran.

The ongoing exchanges have caused significant destruction to military infrastructure and raised persistent concerns for regional security.

In a further blow, Iranian media reported on Sunday that the daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter of Ayatollah Khamenei were killed in the US and Israeli strikes.

Fars news agency and other outlets stated, “After establishing contact with informed sources in the Supreme Leader's household, the news of the martyrdom of the daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter of the Revolutionary Leader has unfortunately been confirmed.”

The developments signal a rapidly evolving and volatile situation, with military, political, and humanitarian consequences that could reshape the balance of power in the Middle East. - March 1, 2026