Khamenei successor: Who are the three candidates that could become the next supreme leader of Iran? Key details

As Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei's life is at risk because Israel has threatened to kill him, and Iraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously shared an assassination plan with US president Donald Trump, concerns about who could succeed Khamenei have escalated amid the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, as per reports.

Ali Khamenei’s Life at Risk

While, the fear of Khamenei being assassinated had been lingering, as both countries have a tense relationship, now it has increased since Israel attacked Iran on June 13 and Iran struck back, with the war now continuing for the fifth day, according to CNN.

Who Could Succeed Iran’s Supreme Leader?

However, a temporary Friday prayer leader in Isfahan, Abolhassan Mahdavi, had revealed on November 15 last year that Iran’s Assembly of Experts had chosen three individuals as potential successors to Khamenei in order of priority, as per an Iran International report. Mahdavi, who is a member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, had not mentioned the names of these candidates, and it still remains confidential, as per the report.

Iran International political analyst Morad Veisi has listed three potential candidates that the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for selecting the next Supreme Leader, might have selected.

1. Mojtaba Khamenei – The Son in Waiting

As per Veisi's prediction, the second son of Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, is widely regarded as the top contender to succeed Khamenei, as he is the most politically influential offspring, reported Iran International. Veisi wrote, "Mojtaba has reportedly been groomed for leadership with his father’s approval."

Mojtaba has played an important role in shaping major policy decisions for more than 27 years, with close associates, such as Abbas Palizdar and former IRIB head Mohammad Sarafraz, confirming Mojtaba’s influence, as per the report.

2. Alireza Arafi – The Trusted Confidant

The second potential candidate could be Alireza Arafi, who is a trusted confidant of Khamenei, reported Iran International. He is also the second deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts, a member of the Guardian Council, Friday prayer leader of Qom, and an influential figure in the seminary, according to the report. Veisi said that Arafi's "position within the power structure enhances his chances of being chosen."

3. Hashem Hosseini Bushehri – Close Ties to Khamenei

Veisi also mentioned that the third likely candidate might be Hashem Hosseini Bushehri, as per the report. Bushehri is also the first deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts, the head of the Qom Seminary Society, and Friday prayer leader in Qom, Iran International reported. The political analyst wrote that, "His close ties to Khamenei and key leadership roles increase his prospects."

FAQs

Why is the timing of these succession talks important?
Because Iran and Israel are at war, and any sudden change in leadership could create chaos or opportunity, depending on how it's handled.

Has the Assembly picked a new leader yet?
Not officially, but a member said last year that three candidates had been chosen in secret.