Amid heightened fears of assassination during Israel’s ongoing military campaign, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly selected three potential successors—excluding his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
According to The New York Times, which cites senior Iranian officials, the 86-year-old leader made the confidential selections from within a fortified bunker, signaling a rare sense of urgency at Iran’s highest level of power.
This development marks a significant departure from long-standing speculation that Mojtaba, a powerful cleric in his own right, was being groomed to inherit leadership. The Jerusalem Post corroborated the report, adding that Khamenei has also named replacements within Iran’s military command, anticipating further Israeli strikes.
Succession Under Fire
While the Iranian constitution mandates that the Supreme Leader be chosen by the Assembly of Experts—an 88-member clerical body—Khamenei’s private nominations suggest an effort to influence the process and ensure ideological continuity.
Analysts view the choice of three clerics, rather than a single successor, as evidence of internal disagreement and the pressure of wartime contingency planning.
Though their names remain undisclosed, the selected individuals are reportedly trusted allies of Khamenei and aligned with Iran’s hardline establishment.
Regional Fallout
The succession planning carries significant geopolitical weight. As Israeli attacks continue to target senior Iranian and Hezbollah leaders, uncertainty in Tehran could further destabilize the region.
“This is no longer theoretical,” a senior regional intelligence official told The Times. “It’s succession planning under fire.”
What Lies Ahead
Despite Khamenei’s preparations, the Assembly of Experts retains formal authority over succession. However, the Supreme Leader’s private influence—possibly extending beyond his death—may ultimately shape the outcome.
For now, Tehran appears to be bracing for a possible transition of power under the looming threat of war.
