Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has taken measures to ensure that there will be continuity of leadership in case of an assassination attempt as tensions rise between Iran and Israel, the New York Times cited Iranian officials who are not named as saying.
The 86-year-old leader has named three potential successors, the report said, as concerns over his safety mount during the ongoing conflict. Speculation around Khamenei’s successor has been circulating for years, but the urgency has grown with the rising military tension between Iran and Israel.
Iran’s constitution establishes a straightforward succession plan. When the Supreme Leader dies or becomes incapacitated, the 88-seat Assembly of Experts made up of veteran Islamic jurists and clerics is obligated to select a replacement. The Supreme Leader serves as head of state both religiously and politically and has final say over Iran’s military and policy.
Backed by the online platform Amwaj, Khamenei just ordered the Assembly to meet in an emergency if he gets murdered or incapacitated to lead. The Times also reported that Khamenei has been living in a safe bunker and abstaining from all forms of electronic communication. Instead, he is said to be communicating with the military commanders using a trusted middleman.
While the succession mechanism is institutionalized, insiders informed Amwaj that contingency measures involve a potential leadership council of clerics a model under consideration when Iran’s founding leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, passed away in 1989.
Such a council would be put in place if Khamenei were assassinated and the war continues, providing more balanced leadership in a time of national crisis. But analysts warn that if robust leadership and the ability to act quickly are preferred, Iran will again choose one successor to rule.
The location of Khamenei is still unknown, although he has released public statements and issued fresh threats against Israel in recent days.