After the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the post of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran became vacant. In Iran, a Provisional Leadership Council consisting of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Head of the Judiciary Sheikh Mohsen Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been established.
The question of “Who will succeed Khamenei?” remains pertinent.
Modern.az reports that Qatar's “Al Jazeera” television channel has announced the names of individuals who are likely to succeed Khamenei in Iran's leadership.
Hassan Khomeini (grandson of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic), whose name is mentioned among the candidates, is considered to have a very low chance of being elected Supreme Leader.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is mentioned as the strongest candidate for the post of Supreme Leader. It is noted that 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei acquired significant levers of influence while his father was still alive. He is reported to have strong ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its affiliated “Basij” paramilitary force.
According to claims, the IRGC currently governs Iran, and absolute control over the IRGC is in the hands of Mojtaba Khamenei. According to information, the main network within the IRGC is loyal to Mojtaba Khamenei.
It is true that the transfer of power from father to son is frowned upon by Shia Muslim clerics; nevertheless, it is emphasized that many within the IRGC wish for Mojtaba Khamenei to assume the position of Supreme Leader.
There is also an obstacle concerning Mojtaba: He holds neither an official position nor is he a high-ranking cleric. However, it is claimed that this will not be of significant importance.
Another option regarding the new Supreme Leaders is not ruled out: Mojtaba Khamenei will either become the Supreme Leader himself, or someone else recommended by him will be a symbolic leader, while he will manage the system from behind the scenes.
In Iran, the new Supreme Leader will be elected by the Assembly of Experts, which consists of 88 clerics.
The Assembly of Experts is a constitutional p that elects the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, monitors his actions, and can remove him from office if necessary.
According to the Iranian constitution, a successor must be elected as soon as possible.
A.Qorxmaz
