Nigeria, March 9 -- Nine days after the attack that plunged the Middle East into a rapidly expanding conflict, Iran's powerful Assembly of Experts convened behind closed doors and selected a new leader, according to members of the body.

However, the clerics have yet to reveal the identity of the chosen successor, saying the announcement will be made soon. Speculation within Iran's political circles has centred on Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's 56-year-old son.

Trump, however, has already dismissed the possibility of Mojtaba taking over, branding him an unacceptable "lightweight."

"He's going to have to get approval from us," Trump said during an interview with ABC News, referring to Iran's next leader. "If he doesn't get approval...