Regime on edge: If Khamenei is slain, who will rule Iran? Behind the scenes of Supreme Leader succession battle

From left to proper: Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Asghar Hejazi and Mohammad Golpayegani

As Israeli bombs hit Tehran and high Iranian commanders are killed, 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is extra remoted than ever. This has led to rising questions on who may substitute him if he dies.Khamenei has misplaced a number of of his closest navy and intelligence advisers in latest Israeli airstrikes. Among the lifeless are Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, head of its ballistic missile programme, and spy chief Mohammad Kazemi. These males weren’t simply senior officers however central figures in Khamenei’s advisory circle.The loss of high leaders has raised doubts about how robust Iran’s management is and what may occur to the regime subsequent.

For now, Khamenei stays in energy. He retains the last say on all main selections in Iran, from battle to judicial appointments. Those acquainted with his management describe him as “extremely stubborn but also extremely cautious”, a mindset credited with preserving him at the high since 1989.As US President Donald Trump warned that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is “an easy target” and admitted the US is aware of precisely the place he is, hypothesis is rising over who may take over if Khamenei is eradicated. Though Trump mentioned there are “no current plans” to kill him, he added, “Our patience is wearing thin,” elevating fears of a potential strike.With Khamenei more and more remoted and Iran beneath assault, listed below are the high contenders who may succeed him if the unthinkable occurs.Mojtaba KhameneiMojtaba, the Supreme Leader’s 55-year-old son, is a mid-ranking cleric who has remained largely out of public view. He is believed to play a key behind-the-scenes position in coordinating safety and political affairs and is notably near the Revolutionary Guards. Many observers consider Khamenei has been quietly grooming him for succession. However, a dynastic switch of energy could face resistance even inside Iran’s conservative institution.Ali Asghar HejaziAs the deputy for political-security affairs in the Supreme Leader’s workplace, Hejazi wields monumental affect behind the curtain. Reuters has described him as the strongest intelligence official in the nation, with direct oversight of safety operations and shut ties to each the Guards and clerical elites. He is not a cleric, however his proximity to Khamenei provides him appreciable weight.Read: Tehran fires hypersonic missile; Donald Trump points new warning – 10 key factorsMohammad GolpayeganiMohammad Golpayegani is the long-time chief of employees in Khamenei’s workplace and one of his most trusted aides. He is identified for being loyal and preserving a low profile. While not well-known to the public, his deep information of how the system works and his central position behind the scenes make him a potential shock candidate or key participant in selecting the subsequent chief.Ali Akbar VelayatiAli Akbar Velayati, a former international minister and senior adviser to Khamenei on international affairs, blends spiritual information with years of authorities expertise. He sits on the Expediency Council and strongly helps Iran’s regional alliances. Though he’s revered and trusted, his outdated age and poor well being may work towards him.Kamal KharaziKamal Kharazi, a former international minister, now leads Iran’s Strategic Council on Foreign Relations. He sounds extra average than hardliners however has all the time stayed inside the regime’s limits. Fluent in English and skilled at the UN, he helped form Iran’s diplomacy after the nuclear deal. Some in the authorities see him as a talented, technocratic possibility.Ali LarijaniAli Larijani, former parliament speaker and ex-head of Iran’s state broadcaster, comes from a widely known clerical household in Qom. A conservative with a sensible strategy, he is near Khamenei and the safety forces but additionally seen as considerably unbiased. His expertise and loyalty to the regime make him a potential compromise candidate.The Assembly of ExpertsIran’s structure provides the energy of succession to the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member physique of senior clerics elected each eight years. This group is anticipated to deliberate in secret and will even appoint a management council relatively than a single Supreme Leader. Many consider Mojtaba’s possibilities will rely on whether or not the meeting members are united, divided, or coerced.Read: Centrifuge web site hit, 50 jets concerned; why its an enormous blow to Tehran’s nuclear programme