Who Will Lead Iran Next? Three Potential Successors Named if Khamenei Dies

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly selected three senior clerics as potential successors to ensure a seamless transition in the event of his death, which cited three Iranian officials. This move comes as Iran faces heightened conflict with Israel, prompting Khamenei to take extraordinary measures to safeguard the stability of the Islamic Republic.

Under Iran’s constitution, the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical council, is tasked with selecting a new supreme leader following the death of the incumbent. This process, used only once since the 1979 Islamic Revolution when Khamenei was appointed in 1989, is typically lengthy. However, with ongoing hostilities, Khamenei is said to be prioritizing a swift and orderly transition, The New York Times reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The report noted that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric with strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and previously considered a leading candidate, is not among the three chosen successors. This decision follows a series of aggressive Israeli airstrikes that began last Friday, which have targeted Iran’s military infrastructure and prompted Khamenei to adopt stringent security measures. He has largely confined himself to a fortified compound in central Tehran, known as the “beit rahbari” or leader’s house, and has limited public appearances to two pre-recorded messages condemning Israel’s actions and pledging Iran’s resilience.

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Since the onset of the conflict, Iran has faced significant losses, reporting that the country’s military leadership has been severely impacted. Khamenei’s efforts to designate successors and bolster security reflect his determination to preserve the Islamic Republic’s continuity amid an escalating crisis.