🇮🇷 Ayatollah Khamenei Picks 3 Possible Successors — But Not His Son
In a dramatic political shift, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three senior religious figures as potential successors—explicitly excluding his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
According to an exclusive report by The New York Times, this move comes amid heightened threats to Khamenei’s life from both Israel and the United States. Iranian officials suggest that the aging leader has taken the unusual step to preempt chaos and ensure a smooth transition of power should anything happen to him during the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict.
🕊️ Why the Sudden Move?
Sources within the Iranian regime told NYT that Khamenei is fully aware of the rising assassination risks and has therefore accelerated his succession planning—something that usually takes months or even years through Iran's religious hierarchy.
“This is about legacy, discipline, and national stability during wartime,” said one senior Iranian cleric under anonymity.
The responsibility to choose among the three will fall to the powerful Assembly of Experts, a religious body that oversees leadership transitions in Iran.
❌ Mojtaba Khamenei Not on the List
Perhaps the biggest shock is who wasn't included: Khamenei’s own son, Mojtaba, long rumored to be groomed as his heir. Iranian officials emphasized that Mojtaba has been officially ruled out, possibly to avoid dynastic rule accusations and preserve the regime’s revolutionary image.
⏳ What Happens Next?
Traditionally, the selection of a new Supreme Leader is a closed-door process involving secret deliberations and months of political maneuvering. But with Iran at war and internal tensions rising, Khamenei reportedly wants a "disciplined and rapid transfer of power."
“This is not just about succession—this is about survival,” one analyst told Al Jazeera.
🌍 Global Impact
This decision could reshape the political future of Iran, particularly if Khamenei's health deteriorates or he is targeted in an attack—something both Israeli and U.S. intelligence agencies have allegedly planned for, according to leaked sources.
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