Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, amid rising tensions with Israel and fears of an assassination attempt, has reportedly shortlisted three senior clerics as possible successors, excluding his son Mojtaba Khamenei from the list, according to a New York Times report citing Iranian officials.
Now 86 years old, Khamenei is said to be operating from a secure underground bunker following Israeli strikes that killed several top Iranian military commanders. He has already begun naming replacements for those killed.
In an unusual step, Khamenei has urged Iran’s Assembly of Experts – the clerical body responsible for selecting the next Supreme Leader – to act swiftly and consider his preferred names for a controlled transition in case of his death.
Khamenei reportedly views any assassination attempt, particularly by Israel or the US, as a path to martyrdom. His decision to fast-track succession planning reflects concerns over preserving Iran’s political system and the continuity of the Islamic Republic amid ongoing war.
This move also appears to shut down speculation about his son, Mojtaba, being groomed for the role, despite his rising influence in recent years.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that “no one is immune,” when asked whether Iran’s Supreme Leader could become a military target. He also said Israel’s aim is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, but hinted at conditions that might “help change the government.”
