In a wide-ranging interview with CNN on Friday, Donald Trump said he is not concerned about whether Iran becomes a democratic state, as long as its future leadership treats the United States and Israel favorably.

Trump claimed that Iran’s leadership has been severely weakened following recent U.S. military operations.

“Iran is not the same country it was a week ago. A week ago they were powerful, and now they’ve been indeed neutered,” Trump said during the phone interview.

The U.S. president suggested Washington could support a new leadership structure in Iran—even if it includes a religious leader—provided that leader governs fairly and cooperates with U.S. interests and regional allies.

“I don’t mind religious leaders. I deal with a lot of religious leaders and they are fantastic,” Trump said, adding that the key requirement is that the new leader treat the United States, Israel, and other Middle Eastern partners well.

Comparing Iran to Venezuela

Trump also compared the situation in Iran to the political developments in Venezuela earlier this year, where U.S. operations reportedly resulted in the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

He said the transition of leadership in Iran could occur “very easily,” similar to what he described as successful intervention in Venezuela.

“It’s going to work like it did in Venezuela. We have a wonderful leader there. She’s doing a fantastic job,” Trump said, referring to acting president Delcy Rodríguez.

U.S. Military Operations Against Iran

Trump praised the ongoing U.S. military campaign targeting Iranian capabilities, claiming the operation exceeded expectations.

He said the success of the mission has significantly weakened Iran’s naval forces, adding that dozens of Iranian ships have been destroyed.

“When you knock out the Navy, they can’t do what they wanted to do,” Trump said. “Big ones — 25 ships are down.”

Despite concerns that escalating tensions in the Middle East could drive global oil prices higher, Trump dismissed the economic risks.

“That’s all right. It’ll be short term. Prices will go down very quickly,” he said, suggesting that the administration has already addressed potential disruptions involving the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Trump Says Cuba Could “Fall Soon”

Trump also made unexpected remarks about Cuba, predicting that the communist government there could collapse in the near future.

“Cuba is going to fall pretty soon,” he said, suggesting that Havana is eager to negotiate with Washington.

Trump indicated that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could play a central role in future diplomatic efforts with Cuba once the Iran conflict stabilizes.

Domestic Politics: Voter ID Law a Top Priority

Beyond foreign policy, Trump emphasized that passing voter identification legislation is the next major priority for his administration after the conflict with Iran.

The president reiterated support for the proposed SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.

Trump also suggested his endorsement in the upcoming Texas Senate runoff could depend on candidates’ support for the bill. The race is between incumbent Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

“We have to have voter ID. We have to have proof of citizenship,” Trump said, stressing that election security legislation is second only to the ongoing war in importance.