Khamenei Names Potential Successors Amidst Bunker Life and Israeli Attacks

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is reportedly sheltering in a bunker, wary of Israeli air strikes. Recent reports indicate he has designated potential successors within the military command structure, anticipating further casualties. Avoiding electronic communications to evade tracking, Khamenei relies on a trusted aide for most interactions. According to a New York Times report, Khamenei has named three senior clerics as possible successors, a move reflecting the gravity of the situation and uncertainty surrounding his three-decade rule. This follows Israeli attacks, described as the most significant since the Iran-Iraq war, causing substantial damage to Tehran. Iran has responded with daily attacks against Israel, targeting various locations. Simultaneously, Iranian leaders are preparing for different scenarios and monitoring potential U.S. involvement. The appointment process for a new supreme leader, typically taking months, is being expedited to ensure a smooth transition and preserve Khamenei’s legacy. Vali Nasr, an Iran expert, emphasizes the priority of state preservation, characterizing the decisions as calculated and pragmatic. The Supreme Leader, holding significant power, leads the armed forces and controls key governmental bodies. His son, Mojtaba, is reportedly not among the potential successors. Since the war began, Khamenei has issued recorded video messages, vowing resistance. His usual residence is the secure ‘leader’s house’ in Tehran, where he holds meetings.