Amidst the ongoing conflict, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly selected three religious leaders as his potential successors. The New York Times made this claim in a report on Saturday (June 21).
Citing Iranian officials, the report states that the Supreme Leader (Khamenei) is aware that Israel or the United States might attempt to assassinate him.
In this context, he has made an unusual decision. Khamenei has informed the Assembly of Experts, the religious body responsible for electing Iran's next Supreme Leader, of three names, instructing them to choose one as his successor.
However, the three names proposed by Khamenei have not been disclosed. Nevertheless, officials indicated that Ali Khamenei's son is not among the potential successor candidates.
The process of appointing a new Supreme Leader in Iran typically takes several months, with clerics selecting names from their own lists.
Officials say that with the country currently engaged in war, Khamenei wants to ensure a swift and orderly transfer of power to secure his legacy and maintain discipline.
It's worth noting that Israel suddenly launched an attack on Iran on the night of June 13. In an operation dubbed "Operation Rising Lion," Zionist forces attacked various military installations, nuclear research centers, and residential areas in Iran, including the capital Tehran.
The attack resulted in the deaths of over 400 people, including Major General Mohammad Bagheri, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces; Major General Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC); Major General Gholam Ali Rashid, Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters and a senior IRGC official; and ten nuclear scientists.
In retaliation for Israel's attack, Iran launched "Operation True Promise-3" on Friday night. Tehran's ballistic missiles are reportedly penetrating Israel's advanced air defense systems and striking significant targets.
While casualties are reported to be low, Israel is said to be suffering extensive damage. Zionists are reportedly in shelters due to fear of Iranian attacks. The conflict between the two countries is still ongoing.