The unprecedented naming of his own potential successors breaks from the norm, where the Assembly of Experts traditionally selects Iran’s next Supreme Leader.
As Israeli strikes escalate, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has taken extraordinary steps to secure continuity of leadership—even in the event of his assassination.
According to The New York Times, citing three Iranian officials with knowledge of Khamenei’s war contingency plans, the 86-year-old cleric has been operating from a secure underground bunker and has suspended electronic communications to evade detection.
“He mostly speaks with his commanders through a trusted aide now,” the officials revealed, adding that even top generals now communicate with the Supreme Leader through backchannels.
In a move that underscores the severity of the situation, Khamenei has designated multiple replacements throughout his military command structure—and has named three senior clerics as possible successors should he be killed.
The unprecedented naming of his own potential successors breaks from the norm, where the Assembly of Experts traditionally selects Iran’s next Supreme Leader. Notably absent from his list is his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, long rumored to be groomed for succession.
Analysts say the decision reflects both the urgency and fragility within Tehran’s highest ranks as the war with Israel intensifies.
“This is succession planning under siege,” one regional expert noted. “And it signals just how real the threat has become.”