On the 3rd (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking about a restructuring of Iran’s regime, said, “If someone as bad as Khamenei takes power again, it would be the worst-case scenario,” adding, “I want a respected, moderate figure from within Iran to take control.” He then said that all the candidates he had in mind had already been killed by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes.

At a bilateral meeting with Germany at the White House that day, President Trump referred to the military operation against Iran, asserting, “They tried to attack us first. If we hadn’t carried out the (airstrikes), they would have gone first.”

He also appeared mindful of the suggestion that he was swayed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to start the strikes on Iran, saying, “I was the one who pressured Israel to move that way,” and, “Israel was ready, and so were we.” He added, “Iran is now almost entirely neutralized. Its missile stockpile has also been greatly reduced,” and, “They are now attacking even all the surrounding countries that could be called neutral, turning them into enemies.”

In response to a reporter’s question about what the ‘worst-case scenario’ would be, President Trump said, “I don’t know that there is a worst case. We are completely overwhelming Iran,” adding, “At some point they won’t even be able to fire missiles, because we are attacking all their communications facilities.”

However, he said it would be the worst situation if someone as bad as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were to seize power, saying, “We want someone who will set Iran right for the people to take office.” He said, “An opportunity has been given to the Iranian people,” and added, “However, many bombs are being dropped right now, so if you plan to go out and protest, don’t do it yet.”

Asked whether he had anyone in mind as the next leader, he said, “All the candidates we had in mind have passed away (due to our airstrikes). There is another group, but they may also have died,” adding, “A third group will emerge soon, but if they also die, we may be left with no one we know.” This shows that, even while carrying out attacks aimed at regime change, there was no concrete plan.

As to whether Iran’s last crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, who is in exile in the United States, could be an alternative, he said, “I haven’t thought about it deeply,” adding, “I think someone from within Iran who enjoys credibility would be more suitable. We also have more moderate figures.”

He also said it was “truly remarkable” that the Venezuelan government remained intact even after the operation to arrest President Nicolas Maduro in early January, and he noted that relations between the two countries are excellent. Trump’s mention of a ‘Venezuela model’ appears to reflect the view that, rather than abrupt change, it would be advantageous for the United States if a moderate figure among the existing regime’s members who is conciliatory toward the U.S. were to replace Khamenei on a transitional basis. However, this scenario conflicts with his call for the Iranian people to seize control of the government.