Iran’s Supreme Leader Prepares for Succession Amidst Escalating Conflict

Facing escalating tensions and potential threats, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has reportedly retreated to a bunker. News reports indicate that he has named possible successors to key positions within the military structure. Khamenei has suspended electronic communications and relies on a trusted aide for communication to avoid detection. The New York Times revealed that Khamenei has selected three senior clerics as potential successors, a decision that highlights the precarious situation. This follows intense Israeli attacks on Iran, the most severe since the Iran-Iraq war. In response, Iran has launched daily attacks against Israel, targeting various locations. High-ranking Iranian officials are also preparing for different outcomes, considering possible U.S. involvement. Typically, the process of selecting a new supreme leader takes months. However, with the current war, the leader aims for a swift, orderly transition. Iran expert Vali Nasr noted that the top priority is preserving the state, viewing the moves as pragmatic. The Supreme Leader, as the ‘Vali Faqih,’ holds significant power. Contrary to earlier speculation, Mojtaba, Khamenei’s son, is not on the list of potential successors. Since the conflict began, Khamenei has released video messages promising resistance. His usual residence is in a highly secure area in Tehran, ‘the leader’s house’.