Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has secretly selected three senior clerics as potential successors, amid concerns that he could be targeted next following recent Israeli strikes on Iranian military leaders. The shortlist, reportedly compiled from a bunker, notably excludes his son, Mojtaba Khamenei.
The chosen candidates—Judiciary Chief Gholam‑Hossein Mohseni‑Eje’i, Assembly of Experts member Mohsen Qomi, and cleric Mohsen Araki—signal a break from dynastic succession. Insiders say Khamenei deliberately excluded his son to avoid perceptions of monarchy.
The move represents a rare deviation from Iran’s usual, prolonged succession process, which typically involves extensive consultation among clerics. Analysts see this as a strategic effort to ensure continuity of power if Khamenei were eliminated.
These developments follow the deaths of several key Revolutionary Guard commanders—Saeed Izadi, Benham Shahriyari, Hossein Salami, and others—in Israeli airstrikes since June 13, highlighting Iran’s growing leadership instability. Senior government officials have reportedly been ordered underground, communications secured, and a new military command chain established.
Experts say Khamenei’s focus on preserving state stability reflects mounting anxiety within Iran’s clerical hierarchy. Vali Nasr of Johns Hopkins noted the decision was “calculative and pragmatic,” aimed at safeguarding the regime.
International observers interpret the shortlist—and Khamenei’s bunker strategy—as signals of vulnerability. Some Western analysts suggest this may embolden Israel and the U.S. to tighten pressure or even consider targeting Iran’s supreme leadership.
