According to information obtained from members of the assembly, 88 Shia theologians who are part of the Assembly of Experts made the decision to appoint a successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, they refrained from revealing the name of the new leader.
One member of the assembly hinted at the possibility of appointing Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, to this position. This was reported by AFP, citing anonymous sources. Earlier, on March 3, sources in Iran told DW that he might take on this role.
During the discussion of the vote, Assembly member Mohsen Heydari noted: “The Great Satan also mentioned the choice made.” He likely referred to U.S. President Donald Trump, who expressed dissatisfaction with the potential rise of Mojtaba Khamenei to power in an interview with Axios on March 5 and stated his intention to participate in the selection of the new leader.
At the same time, on March 8, the Israel Defense Forces reiterated their readiness to pursue anyone who takes the place of Ali Khamenei as the Supreme Leader of Iran.
It is important to note that the Supreme Leader in Iran is appointed for life.
