President Donald Trump suggested that an internal Iranian figure might be the best choice to lead Iran once the U.S.-Israel military campaign concludes, marking a shift from his earlier call for regime change. The president said many potential successors his administration had considered have been killed in the ongoing strikes that eliminated Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials.

Trump dismissed the idea of exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi as a potential leader, instead suggesting someone currently popular within Iran might emerge from the power vacuum. His comments came during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who emphasized Europe's interest in planning for a post-theocratic Iran. The White House is working to counter criticism that it rushed into war unnecessarily.

Trump disputed claims that Israel forced his hand in launching the strikes, saying he believed Iran was planning attacks and might have influenced Israel's decision. He acknowledged oil prices would rise temporarily but predicted they would fall below pre-conflict levels once the campaign ends. The president also criticized Britain and Spain for limiting U.S. military access, threatening trade restrictions on Spain.