Report: Iran delays naming successor to Ayatollah Khamenei over security concerns
US and Israeli comments on targeting a potential successor contributed to the postponement, NYT reports
Iran has delayed naming a successor to its late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, citing security concerns, according to two Iranian officials who spoke to The New York Times on condition of anonymity. The postponement follows public comments from the United States and Israel suggesting that the new leader could also be targeted.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, the son of the late supreme leader, has emerged as a leading contender for the position. However, officials said that security concerns intensified after his name circulated in the media as the likely successor.
“One of the reasons for the delay is the concern over the potential targeting of the new leader,” said one official. Both sources said that US statements explicitly indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei would not be acceptable and “could be eliminated” if he assumed the role.
Officials said the combination of internal succession planning and external pressures has created an unusually sensitive environment. No formal announcement has been made regarding a shortlist of candidates or a timeline for the appointment of the new supreme leader.
Analysts say the situation adds uncertainty to Iran’s political and security landscape. Iranian authorities are expected to continue monitoring both domestic developments and regional security threats before finalizing a successor, according to the officials.