Khamenei Alters Succession Amid Israeli Strikes

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, facing unprecedented Israeli assassination threats and large-scale attacks, has taken extraordinary security measures including sheltering in a bunker, suspending electronic communications, and relying on a trusted aide for contact. He has also ordered senior officials underground to avoid detection. Amid the crisis, Khamenei named three senior clerics as potential successors, pointedly excluding his son Mojtaba, and promptly appointed replacements for slain military commanders. These steps bypass the traditionally lengthy deliberations of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, reflecting an urgent effort to stabilize the regime and ensure leadership continuity. The actions mark a significant shift in Iran’s succession planning during a moment of acute peril. The situation remains tense as both Iran and Israel brace for potential further escalation.