New York / Tehran: Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated after former US President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Iran’s newly elected Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.

According to reports, Trump expressed strong opposition to Mojtaba Khamenei assuming the position of Iran’s Supreme Leader and insisted that Iran must comply with US demands, particularly regarding its nuclear program.

Trump reportedly warned that Iran must completely halt its nuclear weapons development efforts. He cautioned that failure to comply could lead to further military actions similar to recent attacks reportedly carried out by US and Israeli forces.

Reports indicate that coordinated strikes were conducted on February 28 targeting several locations in Tehran. The attacks reportedly resulted in heavy casualties and significant damage, including the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with members of his family.

Following these developments, the Assembly of Experts elected Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader last Sunday. Under Article 108 of Iran’s Constitution, the Assembly holds the authority to appoint the country’s Supreme Leader.

Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and has long been considered an influential figure within Iran’s political and security establishment. He is believed to have maintained close ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

However, reports from international media outlets suggest that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had previously opposed the idea of Mojtaba succeeding him as Supreme Leader while he was alive.

The leadership transition comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with ongoing concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional security.