Farnaz Fassihi

One of the names is Ali Larajani, the head of the National Security Council, who's effectively running the country right now.

General Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a former Revolutionary Guards commander, who's the Speaker of the Parliament and has a role in commanding the war now.

He's also one of the names that I have heard.

I've also heard the name of former President Hassan Rouhani, who's kind of a moderate.

cleric, but he's sort of been outcast from the close circle of Mr. Khamenei.

So these are some of the names I've heard.

But I want to mention here that for that 80 percent who want wholesome change and for the opposition and dissidents, no figure that is associated with the Islamic Republic's regime is going to be acceptable because every single one of these people was part of

Right.

Mm-hmm.

civil war and would rather engage with someone from that system that would be willing to make concessions or not.

And we heard President Trump say today that he's open to speaking to Iran's new leaders and that he's heard that there are some options for succession.

So I think he's kind of signaling to the Iranian regime that if you do have a character who is willing to

give me what I want and make the kind of concessions that I want on nuclear and military and missiles and policy.

If not back him, at least I'll engage and entertain the possibility of that leader.

That will be detrimental to the aspirations of democracy and freedom for the Iranian people.

But politics are unpredictable.

Right.

And, you know, I think it would be hugely disappointing to many people in Iran, both inside and outside, because, you know, President Trump, for all the reasons we talked about, about sort of the 80 percent that are celebrating the events in Iran and the war, he's seen as a figure who has helped their aspirations for change right now.

But I think that that could quickly change and they may feel betrayed if the U.S.

strikes a deal with the successors of Mr. Khamenei.