Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, 85, is reportedly critically ailing and his second son Mojtaba Khamenei is prone to succeed him after his dying, the New York Times reported on Saturday. revealed.
The report stated Khamenei’s critical sickness had sparked a “silent battle” over his successor. He additionally stated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would have a say in who will succeed the ayatollah.
Concerns about Khamenei’s successor elevated after former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in May final 12 months.
Khamenei has served as Supreme Leader since 1989, when the primary particular person to carry the title, Ruhollah Khomeini, died.
The report was launched after Israel’s response to Iran’s ballistic missile assault
The Times report got here shortly after Israel responded to Iran’s ballistic missile assault earlier within the month by attacking a lot of army amenities early Saturday. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with President Massoud Pezeshikian and members of the Cabinet in Tehran final month and gave a speech. (Credit: Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran/West Asia News Agency/Reuters)
The Times reported that Iranian officers have stated they are not looking for escalation with Israel.
Reports stated that whereas Israel attacked army targets in Iran, it additionally attacked targets in Iraq and Syria.