Iran (Iran) Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is now getting isolated himself. They are trapped at the center of a major struggle and are increasing threats for both their life and leadership. In a recent interview with ABC News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that the killing of Khamenei may end the long -standing hostility between Israel and Iran.
A day later, the Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Catz, gave another direct warning that the same fate of Khamenei could be the fate that was done by former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussain.
After Khamenei in recent times, the discussion of Iran’s Mustakbil has intensified, especially when former US President Donald Trump allegedly stopped the Israeli plan to kill the Iranian leader. While defending the plan in his interview, Netanyahu argued that such a step would not increase tension, but will end the struggle.
Who will do Iran’s living after Khamenei?
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the Supreme Leader, has emerged as the biggest contender among the potential successors. Born in the year 1969, Mojtaba’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s cleric have deep relations. He served in the last round of Iran-Iraq war and now he is a middle-class clerics who have strong effects behind the curtain.
Another prominent name is Alirja Arafi, who is a trusted colleague of Khamenei. Arafi holds several important positions, including the Vice President of the Assembly of Experts, members of the Guardian Council and the leader of Friday prayer in the Qom. His major credibility within Iran’s power structure makes him a serious candidate for succession.
Ali Asghar Hedge, who oversees political security matters in the Supreme Leader’s office, is also included in this list. Known for its influence from behind the curtain, Hedgeji has been involved in Iran’s intelligence system for a long time and plays an important role in taking strategic decisions.
Ghulam Hussain Mohseni AJE, who spent decades of time in the judiciary and intelligence circles, is another possible successor. He first served as Iran’s intelligence minister under the President Mahmood Ahmadinejad and has served several senior legal positions including the Attorney General and the Spokesperson of the Judiciary.
In addition, other potential contenders include Mohammad Golpayegani, who was the prominent of Khamenei’s office for a long time, former Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Veliyati and Kamal Kharaji, and former Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani. All experienced interiors are deep experiences in both domestic rule and foreign affairs, especially nuclear talks.
How will Iran choose the next ‘Ayatullah’?
When the Supreme Leader of Iran dies, they disqualify or resign, then a meeting of experts is called to select the successor. It consists of senior clerics, who are selected by the public, but they are examined by the Patron Council of Iran. It is a body of 88 members, who complete an eight -year term. They meet in a closed session to nominate and vote for the candidates in a secret process with nearly zero public transparency.
They discuss and evaluate every candidate’s ability to maintain religious credibility, political loyalty and governance. A simple majority of about 45 votes out of 88 is necessary to appoint the new Supreme Leader. The assembly wants consensus to avoid factional disputes.
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His rule over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iran
Iran’s betel leader Khamenei, Ayatollah came to power in 1989 after Ruhollah Khomeni. For more than two and a half decades, his rule over Iran has been running with an iron fist. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the supreme officer on prominent organizations like Iran’s judiciary, armed forces, state media and guardian councils and Expedition Discount Council. His words are laws for Iran. He does not trust the West, especially America. Khamenei has also accused America of trying to change power.
In January this year, when Donald Trump returned to the Oval Office, he directed his country to interact with America, but he also warned on March 12. He said, “In the conversation, someone should ensure that the other side will respect its commitments. When we know that they do not follow it, what does the conversation mean? Therefore, the invitation to conversation and the desire to do so is only a deception of public opinion.”
Iran again came to the conversation table and on June 15, its nuclear capacity was to be another round of negotiations, but on June 13, the conversation derailed after Israel started missile shower at Iran’s nuclear installations.
June 2025 has again drawn attention to the big question of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s living and his successor.
(Report- Bipasha Mukherjee)