The world's eyes are fixed on what is happening in Iran.
Modern.az reports that exclusive information obtained by the New York Times newspaper has revealed that Mojtaba Khamenei's ascension to the position of Supreme Leader as his father's successor was far from smooth. According to reports, the selection process was carried out through a closed and tense procedure reminiscent of the Papal elections (conclave) in the Vatican.
Everything accelerated on March 7 with President Pezeshkian's statement. Pezeshkian apologized to neighboring countries, announcing that attacks on Arab countries in the Gulf would cease. He stated that the decisions causing tension were made by a three-person transitional council operating in the absence of the Supreme Leader. This "softening" policy, however, angered the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
According to information, pro-war generals — Vahidi and Aziz Jafari — demanded that the Assembly of Experts immediately declare Mojtaba Khamenei as leader. Former intelligence chief Mr. Taeb, meanwhile, pressured each of the 88 members, emphasizing that voting for the Ayatollah's son was a "moral and religious duty."
Although the Assembly convened virtually on March 8, discussions were quite intense. While conservatives wished for the Supreme Leader's will during his lifetime (his opposition to his son becoming successor) to be respected, those who argued that the constitution granted them the right to independent choice prevailed.
Procedure details:
- Each Ayatollah wrote their choice on paper and sealed it with wax.
- Special couriers secretly delivered these envelopes to the counting committee.
- Mojtaba Khamenei won by receiving 59 out of 88 votes (a two-thirds majority).
Shortly before midnight, state media announced Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new Supreme Leader. Although the vote was not unanimous, even those who opposed him were forced to take an "oath of allegiance." Currently, while the Iranian elite attempts to project an image of being "closely united" around the new leader, who has not yet appeared before the public, the behind-the-scenes struggle is expected to intensify further.
