[Iran Watch #05] Iran’s Supreme Leader Names Successors Amid Escalating Crisis

- June 22, 2025

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei names three successors while hiding in a bunker as Israeli strikes continue. The move signals fears of collapse and leadership vacuum.

Illustration of three senior Iranian clerics in front of the Iranian flag, symbolizing political or religious leadership succession in Iran.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Names Successors Amid Escalating Crisis

Introduction
The Secret Succession Plan
Why It Matters Now
Khamenei in Hiding
Military Threats and Fordow
Popular Unrest and Internal Stability
What People Are Saying
What Happens Next
FAQ
Related Posts

1. Introduction

As hostilities between Israel and Iran intensify, reports have surfaced that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has secretly designated three possible successors in the event of his death. This rare revelation comes at a time when Iran is under heavy military pressure and its leadership is facing unprecedented threats from both Israel and possibly the United States.

2. The Secret Succession Plan

According to The New York Times, citing unnamed Iranian officials, Khamenei has instructed Iran’s Assembly of Experts to prepare for a rapid transition by choosing a new Supreme Leader from three clerics he has personally selected.

Notably, the report states that Khamenei’s son Mojtaba, long rumored as a likely successor, is not among the three. Normally, selecting a new Supreme Leader could take weeks or even months, involving intense debate among senior clerics. However, due to the growing instability and direct threats to his life, Khamenei has reportedly demanded the process be expedited.

Portrait illustrations of three Iranian clerics wearing turbans and robes, shown in a stylized digital format with distinct background colors behind each figure.

📌 Named Successor Candidates

Name	Current Position	Why Considered
Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i	Judiciary Chief, Member of Assembly of Experts	Known for his hardline views and crisis-time decisiveness
Mohsen Qomi	Senior Foreign Affairs Adviser, Member of Assembly of Experts	Trusted confidant of Khamenei; prominent religious figure
Mohsen Araki	Assembly of Experts Member	Frequently mentioned in succession circles; influential scholar

Notably Absent: Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader’s son, previously considered a front-runner, is reportedly not on the shortlist.

Digital illustration of a senior Iranian cleric wearing a black turban and glasses, depicted in a serious and formal pose on a neutral background.

3. Why It Matters Now

This move highlights just how severe the internal and external threats to the Islamic Republic have become. As Israel continues its airstrike campaign under Operation Rising Lion, the regime appears focused not only on defense but also on maintaining its long-term survival should a leadership vacuum occur.

4. Khamenei in Hiding

The NYT report and other sources claim that Khamenei has gone into hiding in a bunker since Israel launched its strikes on June 13. He now communicates with commanders only through a trusted aide and has suspended most electronic communications.

Reza Pahlavi, son of the last Shah of Iran, mocked Khamenei's isolation, comparing him to a “frightened rat.”

Khamenei, now 86, is aware that assassination by Israel or the U.S. is possible—and reportedly sees such a death as a form of martyrdom.

5. Military Threats and Fordow

Experts warn that Iran’s underground nuclear facility at Fordow could be destroyed by the U.S. using the GBU-57 bunker-buster bomb deployed via B-2 Spirit stealth bombers.

Former MI6 head John Sawers said such a strike would be technically feasible but would not topple the regime itself.

6. Popular Unrest and Internal Stability

Despite growing frustration, there has been no sign of a popular uprising in Iran. According to Hamidreza Azizi, opposition groups remain fragmented and unprepared to take power.

The continued bombardment of Tehran has further discouraged mass mobilization.

There are also concerns among ordinary Iranians about Israel's end game—especially as non-military sites are increasingly targeted, raising fears of broader war or regime decapitation.

7. What People Are Saying

The New York Times: “Ayatollah Khamenei named three senior clerics as candidates to succeed him should he be killed.”

Hamidreza Azizi: “We haven’t seen any signs yet of a popular uprising—on the contrary, there is growing concern among the Iranian public about what the actual Israeli end game is here.”

8. What Happens Next

President Donald Trump has stated that he will decide in the coming two weeks whether the U.S. will directly join Israel’s military campaign.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that U.S. involvement would be “very dangerous.”

For now, all eyes remain on the Assembly of Experts and whether Khamenei’s preemptive instructions will lead to an orderly transition—or be tested in chaos.

9. FAQ

Q1. Who are the three successors Khamenei selected?
Their names have not been disclosed publicly. However, the NYT report confirms that Mojtaba Khamenei is not among them.

Q2. Can the Assembly of Experts reject Khamenei’s instructions?
Technically, yes. But in practice, especially under wartime pressure, the Assembly may follow his will to ensure regime continuity.

Q3. Is the Iranian public supporting regime change?
At present, there are no widespread signs of public uprising, due in part to fear, suppression, and disorganization among opposition forces.

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