US media: If Iran's next leader proves pragmatic, sanctions against Iran may be lifted.

In an interview, President Trump stated that the U.S. military intends to sustain its attacks on Iran for "four to five weeks" if necessary, and insisted that Israel and the United States "would not have difficulty" maintaining the intensity of the conflict. He also warned of potential further U.S. casualties. When asked about his plans for a power transition, Mr. Trump said he hoped Iran's elite forces, including senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who wield significant influence and profit from the current regime, would hand over their weapons to the Iranian people. During the approximately six-minute call, Trump also stated that he had three "very good" people who could lead Iran, but declined to name them. He repeatedly mentioned his experience in Venezuela, possibly suggesting that he believed the methods that worked there would also apply to Iran. He also stated that he was willing to lift sanctions on Iran if the new Iranian leadership demonstrated a pragmatic and cooperative attitude. However, he also declined to comment on how (or if) his administration would defend the Iranian people, whom he believes should overthrow the current government. (Jin Shi)