Speculation over the way forward for Iran’s chief has elevated amid reviews of Khamenei’s well being issues. Did the nation select its subsequent supreme chief rigorously?
Iran is dealing with extreme home instability and is already below growing strain from Israel. There are additionally reviews that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is in essential situation and there’s a risk that he’ll take over the management instantly. The ailing chief’s second son Mojtaba Khamenei seems intent on taking management of the nation’s Shiite Islamic State earlier than his father’s doable demise. This might have historic implications for Iranian politics and Iranian affect within the West Asian area.
Reports on Mr. Mojtaba’s successor
Iran International, a pro-defunct Iranian opposition Farsi-language media outlet, reported on Wednesday that Mojtaba Khamenei has been secretly chosen to change into the nation’s subsequent supreme chief. YNet News additionally printed a reference to the report, saying it revealed the key course of concerned within the choice course of.
This follows earlier reporting by The New York Times a couple of shadowy energy wrestle inside Iran to find out who will succeed Ali Khamenei. At 85 years outdated, Khamenei’s well being has lengthy been a priority. Khamenei made a uncommon public look on October 4, firing a rifle as he led prayers for Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who some say was killed within the Israeli assault. gave a speech subsequent to
Iran’s International News Agency reported that on September 26, Ayatollah Khamenei convened a secret assembly of all 60 members of the Iranian Council of Experts. Their solely agenda is to decide on his successor, and to take action in the end.
Parliament initially rejected the method and Mojtaba as a management candidate, however in the end voted unanimously for him. The report mentioned that direct threats from leaders and their brokers helped suppress opposition strain, and that the end result of the assembly sat on the board for greater than a month with out being recognized. suggests.
Challenges in guiding Iran’s successors
Unlike the comparatively mushy coup d’etat skilled by Khamenei in 1989, when he died, the present succession is inherently unsure. A sequence of things helped cement Khamenei’s unopposed accession to the throne. The most essential of those was Rafsanjani, the political chief who succeeded in bringing many factions below his wing and ensured Khamenei’s automated succession.
But Mojtaba’s path to energy has been fraught with issues. Iran’s political scenario is polarized. No chief but has achieved the standing of President Rafsanjani to resolve factional conflicts, and lots of of Khamenei’s inside circle are unpopular with Iranians, additional complicating the transition.
Recent developments additionally complicate predictions of Mojtaba’s successor. One of his potential successors, Ebrahim Raisi, died in a helicopter crash in Azerbaijan earlier this yr. Another influential potential kingmaker, Qassem Soleimani, was assassinated in 2020, additional weakening the management.
Social nervousness additionally looms giant over this course of. Last yr, Mahsa Amini’s demise in custody sparked widespread protests reflecting deep-seated dissatisfaction with the regime. These developments spotlight the challenges new leaders will face as they consolidate energy.
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Born in Mashhad in northeastern Iran in 1969, Mojtaba Khamenei has saved a comparatively low profile given his affect over Iranian energy relations. Mojtaba Khamenei studied theology along with his father and different students at Qom Seminary, the place he turned a priest and lecturer in theology.
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