Tehran: Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts has settled on a successor for deceased Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the cleric’s identity has not been disclosed amid Israeli threats to eliminate the new leader.
The clerical body, which holds the key to selecting Iran’s top authority, arrived at a consensus following intense internal discussions after Khamenei was eliminated in US-Israeli joint strikes on Tehran on February 28.
Confirming the news, Khuzestan province representative Mohsen Heydari told Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA): “The most suitable candidate, approved by the majority of the Assembly of Experts, has been determined.”
Fars News Agency quoted assembly member Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri as saying, “a firm opinion reflecting the majority view has been reached.”
Iranian authorities explained the secrecy stems from security risks and sensitivities, intensified by Israel’s aggressive stance during the ongoing military hostilities.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz earlier warned that Khamenei’s successor would become an “unequivocal target for elimination” if Tehran presses its fight against Israel.
This rhetoric piles pressure on Iran’s religious elite as they manoeuvre a tricky leadership change amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
