Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he has a candidate in mind to replace Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, though he offered no further details.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump has been vocally critical of Khamenei's appointment, which was announced over the weekend. He labeled it a "big mistake" and expressed skepticism about its longevity. Trump had previously issued a warning that any Iranian leader not meeting Washington's approval "would not last long." The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump privately conveyed to aides his willingness to support the elimination of Khamenei if he does not comply with US demands, particularly concerning the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program.

Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, assumed the role of Iran's Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during the initial US-Israeli joint attacks on February 28. This marks the third supreme leadership transition in Iran since the 1979 revolution.

The US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, described by Trump as "very far ahead of schedule," has reportedly left Iran militarily weakened. Trump claimed that Iran now lacks a navy, communications, an air force, and that its missile capabilities are significantly reduced. He also mentioned that Iranian drones are being systematically destroyed.

Trump initially estimated the campaign would last four to five weeks but later revised this timeline, stating operations were progressing faster than expected. On the strategic Strait of Hormuz, he noted that ships are currently navigating through the waterway but warned of potential US control if Iran attempts any disruptive actions.

The joint US-Israeli offensive, which began on February 28, has resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and more than 10,000 injuries according to Iranian officials. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as US military assets in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations.