Khamenei Prepares for the Unthinkable: Iran’s Supreme Leader Secretly Picks Successors Amid War Tensions
By RYNI Media | @DoublePrince
22 June 2025

As hostilities between Israel and Iran escalate, reports have emerged that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has covertly selected three possible successors in the event of his sudden death—a rare and urgent decision reflecting the increasing volatility at the heart of the Islamic Republic’s leadership.
According to The New York Times, citing unnamed senior Iranian officials, the 86-year-old cleric, now reportedly operating from a fortified underground location, quietly named the three clerics in recent days. This revelation follows the targeted killings of key Iranian and allied commanders allegedly by Israeli forces, prompting fears that Khamenei himself could be next.
What makes the development particularly significant is the exclusion of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who for years had been assumed to be the most likely successor. Mojtaba’s absence from the shortlist appears to mark a decisive break from speculation that a dynastic succession plan was underway, and may be aimed at preventing internal dissent and upholding the legitimacy of the theocratic system.
Traditionally, the successor to Iran’s Supreme Leader is chosen by the Assembly of Experts, a council of 88 Islamic scholars. However, Khamenei’s reported actions suggest an intent to shape the leadership outcome beyond his lifetime by guiding the selection process ahead of any formal proceedings. Analysts believe this proactive move may be designed to preserve regime stability and ensure ideological continuity, particularly amid a deteriorating security climate.
The Jerusalem Post also confirmed aspects of the report, stating that alongside the selection of successors, Khamenei has also taken steps to restructure parts of the military chain of command. These preparations reflect mounting concern over possible further Israeli strikes that could disrupt or dismantle Iran’s senior leadership network.
Experts view the choice to name three clerics—as opposed to a single figure—as a reflection of the high-stakes uncertainty gripping Tehran. It may also indicate a calculated attempt to build consensus within the ruling elite, who are increasingly divided over how to handle the current conflict and its broader implications for Iran’s future.
Beyond Iran’s borders, this behind-the-scenes maneuvering has major geopolitical implications. The prospect of a sudden leadership vacuum in one of the region’s most influential states threatens to destabilize an already fragile Middle East. The possibility of power struggles or competing factions could further inflame regional tensions and complicate efforts for diplomatic de-escalation.
For now, Iran’s leadership appears to be preparing for the worst while hoping to maintain control. With war unfolding and succession plans underway in secrecy, Tehran stands at a pivotal moment, balancing between survival and transformation in the face of unprecedented threats.
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