Iranian Consensus on Khamenei's Successor and Occupation Threatens to Target Assembly of Experts

Official Iranian sources revealed crucial developments regarding the succession of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution. Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, a member of the Assembly of Experts from Semnan province, confirmed that a near-final consensus has emerged within the Assembly regarding the person who will succeed Ali Khamenei. Mirbagheri indicated that intensive consultations have led to the formation of a clear majority around a specific name, despite some procedural details that require addressing before the official announcement.

In statements made via a local communication platform, the Iranian official clarified that choosing the new leader represents a historic decision that cannot be rushed, despite the sensitivity of the timing. He emphasized the necessity of carefully scrutinizing all opinions to ensure a smooth transition of power. He added that the Assembly of Experts is making strenuous efforts to complete the necessary procedures, expressing hope that the results will be revealed soon after all existing obstacles are removed.

In a related context, Mirbagheri stressed that the responsibility entrusted to the Assembly of Experts is one of the most critical political and religious tasks in the country, which drives members to work with utmost seriousness to ensure the selection of a leader characterized by precision and steadfastness. He affirmed that the primary goal is to reach a personality that enjoys national consensus and is not a subject of dispute, especially given the complex regional and international circumstances facing the Islamic Republic.

For its part, the Israeli occupation army entered the crisis by issuing direct and unprecedented threats. The army spokesperson in Farsi announced that its forces would pursue anyone chosen to assume the position of Supreme Leader. The Israeli spokesperson claimed that Tel Aviv would not hesitate to use its military force to obstruct the transition process, in a clear indication of the occupation's intention to carry out political assassinations targeting senior leaders.

Israeli threats did not stop at the Supreme Leader's successor but extended to include the members of the Assembly of Experts themselves. Military sources threatened to target the Assembly's meeting if it convenes to choose the new leader. The sources claimed to have information indicating the Assembly's intention to meet soon in the holy city of Qom, warning that this meeting would be within the direct targeting circle of Israeli aircraft.

1The occupation's military spokesperson indicated that what he described as "Israel's long arm" is capable of reaching any point within Iranian territory to pursue those who attempt to appoint the next leader. These statements come at a time of escalating tension in the region, as Israel seeks through these threats to exert psychological and political pressure on decision-making centers in Tehran during this sensitive transitional phase.

It is worth noting that the Assembly of Experts is the constitutional body responsible for selecting, monitoring, and, if necessary, dismissing the Supreme Leader. It consists of clerics who are popularly elected. Global intelligence circles are closely monitoring the movements of this Assembly, especially with increasing talk about the current leader's health condition and the ongoing arrangements to ensure the stability of the Iranian political system in the post-Khamenei era.

Israel's long arm will continue to pursue the successor and anyone who attempts to appoint him to the position of Supreme Leader.