WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said Saturday night that a diplomatic solution in Iran remains possible and is "much easier now" following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"Much easier now than it was a day ago, obviously," Trump said in a phone interview with CBS News, saying the attacks have been effective and could create a pathway to diplomacy.

Trump said "there are some good candidates" to lead Iran in the wake of Khamenei's death but did not elaborate.

On Iran's retaliatory response, Trump said: "It's what we expected."

"We thought it'd be double," Trump said. "Thus far, it's been less than we thought."

Earlier in the day, following the announcement of Khamenei's death, Trump said that the massive military campaign against Iran would continue.

"The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary," said Trump in a post on social media.