Rubio: ‘No one knows’ who would take over if Iran’s supreme leader is removed

Published January 28, 2026 2:18pm ET



Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that “no one knows” who would take over governing Iran if the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is removed from power.

Rubio’s acknowledgement about the uncertainty regarding what could happen if Khamenei is no longer ruling in Tehran comes as President Donald Trump has threatened military operations if they do not work toward a new agreement over its weapons arsenal.

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