The clerical body created to choose Iran’s next Supreme Leader has made a decision eight days after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli air strikes. Members of the selection body said that voting has taken place to choose Khamenei’s successor and the leader has been chosen.
“The most suitable candidate, approved by the majority vote of the Assembly of Experts, has been decided,” Mohsen Haidari, a member of the panel, said, according to an AFP report. Although the name of the successor has not yet been announced, members of the selection body told Iranian media that the announcement would be made “as soon as possible.”
One panel member indicated that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son Mojtaba Khamenei could be Iran’s next Supreme Leader. Mojtaba was considered a contender for this post even before his father’s murder.
‘I have to attend the supremo’s appointment’: Trump
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had said that he would be personally involved in choosing the next Supreme Leader of Iran. Amid reports that Khamenei’s son Mojtaba Khamenei was being pushed for the post by Iranian leaders, Trump said Mojtaba was a “lightweight”. He further said, “I do not accept Khamenei’s son. We want someone who will bring peace and reconciliation to Iran.”
‘Will target successor’: Israel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has warned that it will target every successor appointed by Iran.
“We want to let you know that the Israeli government will continue to pursue every successor and anyone who wants to appoint a successor,” the IDF said, adding that people attending the meeting to choose a new leader would also be considered a perfect target. “We warn all those who intend to attend the meeting to choose a successor that we will not hesitate to target you as well. This is a warning!” This was said in a social media post.