U.S. Media: If Iran's Next Leader Acts Pragmatically, Sanctions on Iran Could Be Lifted

Odaily News President Trump stated in an interview that, if necessary, the U.S. military intends to continue attacks on Iran for "four to five weeks," and insisted that Israel and the U.S. would "have no difficulty" in maintaining combat intensity. He also warned that there could be more U.S. military casualties.

When asked about the power transition plan, Mr. Trump expressed his hope that Iran's elite forces, including senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who hold significant influence and benefit from the current regime, would hand over their weapons to the Iranian people. In a roughly six-minute call, Trump also mentioned that he has three "very good" candidates to lead Iran, but he declined to name them specifically.

He repeatedly referenced his experience in Venezuela, which may hint that he believes the methods effective in Venezuela could also apply to Iran. He also stated that if Iran's new leadership demonstrates a pragmatic and cooperative attitude, he is willing to lift sanctions on Iran. However, he simultaneously refused to clarify how (or whether) his administration would defend the Iranian people, whom he said should overthrow the current government. (Jin10)