US President Donald Trump told CNN on Friday that Iran's leadership has been "neutralized" and that he is looking for new leadership that will treat the United States and Israel well, even if it is a religious leader and the state does not become democratic.

"Iran is not the same country it was a week ago," he said in a brief phone interview. "A week ago, they were strong, and now they are essentially neutralized."

Trump expressed confidence that choosing a new leader would be easy, comparing the situation to Venezuela, where he says the US captured Nicolas Maduro and brought his deputy to power. "It will work very easily. It will work just like Venezuela worked out. We have a wonderful leader there. She's doing a fantastic job," he said, referring to acting president Delcy Rodriguez.

Asked whether he insists on Iran becoming a democratic state, Trump told CNN: "No. I'm saying there should be a leader who will be fair and honest. Who will do their job well, treat the United States and Israel well, and treat the other Middle Eastern countries well — they're all our partners."

Trump also said Cuba "will fall soon." "They want a deal, so I'll send Marco there, and we'll see how it works. We're focused on this situation right now. We still have time, but Cuba is ready — after 50 years," he said. "I've been watching this for 50 years, and it all literally fell into my hands — because of me."