Trump tells CNN he does not require Iran to become a democracy and may accept a religious leader
Mar 6th 2026
In a CNN interview, President Trump said Iran’s leadership is weakened and that he is open to non democratic or religious leadership there, compared the effort to US actions in Venezuela, predicted Cuba’s fall, and pushed voter ID legislation and the SAVE America Act as top priorities.
- Trump told CNN he believes Iran’s leadership has been "neutered" and said the United States will help pick new leadership there.
- He said he would accept a religious leader in Iran if that leader treats the United States and Israel well.
- Trump compared the plan to Venezuela, claiming the US captured Nicolás Maduro and installed Delcy Rodriguez as acting president.
- He said Cuba "is going to fall pretty soon" and suggested sending Sen. Marco Rubio to manage relations there after Iran.
- Trump said passing the SAVE America Act and voter ID rules is a top domestic priority and could determine his Texas Senate endorsement.
- He called for eliminating the Senate filibuster to pass the bill and repeated demands for proof of citizenship, strict limits on mail-in ballots, and bans on transgender medical care for youth.