President Donald Trump announced Thursday that it was his desire to be personally involved with the choosing of Iran's next Supreme Leader

Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, long has been considered a contender to the post of the country’s next paramount ruler — even before his father's death though he’s never being elected nor appointed to a government position.

Israel decided days after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack to target Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while detailed planning came later, USA TODAY learned.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, is believed to have been selected as the successor to his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The US-Israeli war on Iran entered a sixth day with little sign of easing, as the Islamic Republic vowed to intensify its retaliation and oil extended gains.

President Donald Trump said most of Iran’s military installations have been “knocked out” and that new strikes targeted Iranian leadership. Follow for live updates.

At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran; six American service members have died in retaliatory strikes.