Iran's Supreme Leader Picks Potential Successors From Bunker, Son Mojtaba Not Among Them: Report

Last Updated:June 21, 2025, 18:51 IST

Officials clarified that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, is not among the senior clerics shortlisted to succeed him, contradicting earlier reports suggesting him to be the replacement

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei | AFP Image

Amid growing assassination threats from Israel, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said to be sheltering in a bunker, has reportedly named three senior clerics as potential successors in the event of his death during the ongoing conflict.

According to a report by The New York Times, citing Iranian officials, Khamenei has also begun picking replacements for military commanders who were eliminated in Israeli strikes.

Notably, officials clarified that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, is not among the senior clerics shortlisted to succeed him, contradicting earlier reports that suggested he was being groomed for the leadership role.

Iranian officials claimed that Khamenei is aware of the possibility of being assassinated by Israel or the United States, and added that he would regard such a death as martyrdom.

Considering all the threats, Khamenei took the unusual step of instructing the Assembly of Experts — the clerical body responsible for appointing Iran’s next supreme leader — to move quickly and select a successor from the three candidates he has personally recommended.

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News world Iran's Supreme Leader Picks Potential Successors From Bunker, Son Mojtaba Not Among Them: Report