NEW YORK: An American newspaper has reported that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has made a significant decision regarding his possible successor.
According to a report by The New York Times, the Iranian Supreme Leader has suggested three names for his potential successor. The American newspaper claims that this “unusual step” was taken in light of increasing Israeli attacks. The report suggests that Ayatollah Khamenei is concerned that Israel or the United States may attempt to assassinate him.
The New York Times reports that the three scholars named by Ayatollah Khamenei as potential successors do not include his son, Mojtaba, a cleric who is considered close to the Revolutionary Guards and has long been regarded as a possible heir to Khamenei. The report also mentions that former Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi was considered a potential candidate for succession, but he was killed in a helicopter crash in 2024.
According to the newspaper, the 86-year-old Khamenei, who has been Iran’s Supreme Leader for 36 years, has temporarily stopped using electronic messaging and now only communicates through a trusted advisor.The report states that due to security concerns, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has prohibited senior officials and military commanders from using mobile phones or other electronic devices.
Iranian officials have not yet responded publicly to this report.It is important to note that the Iranian Supreme Leader holds extensive powers, serving as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, as well as the head of the judiciary, parliament, and administration.Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump had issued a warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader, claiming that he knows where Khamenei is and that he is an easy target, though he stopped short of ordering an assassination.
Earlier, there were reports that Israel had planned to assassinate Khamenei, but the plan was vetoed by the then-U.S. President. Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told Australian TV that eliminating Khamenei would not escalate the war but could instead help bring it to an end.
