United States President Donald Trump has outlined his expectations for Iran’s leadership following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying he wants a “good” leader to emerge and a complete overhaul of the country’s governing structure.

In an interview with NBC News on Thursday, Trump said he favours dismantling Iran’s existing leadership framework rather than allowing it to be rebuilt over time.

“We want to go in and clean out everything. We don’t want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period,” Trump said. He added that the United States hopes Iran will have “a good leader,” noting that he and his team have identified potential individuals who could assume the role, though he declined to provide names.

Trump’s remarks come after the United States, in coordination with Israel, conducted strikes that resulted in the death of Khamenei, according to official statements.

The developments have intensified tensions in the Middle East, with Iran’s political future now under scrutiny following the leadership vacuum.

U.S. officials have not provided details on any plans for direct involvement in determining Iran’s succession.