New Supreme Leader in Iran, Khamenei's son Mojtaba Khamenei takes charge

The death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ignited an unprecedented political and military power crisis in Iran. According to a report by Iran International, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) wants a quick decision on the appointment of a new Supreme Leader, bypassing the legal process. The report claims that the top command structure within the IRGC is attempting to finalize the name of Khamenei's successor by the morning of Sunday, March 1. Meanwhile, reports suggest that the late Supreme Leader's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could be named Iran's new Supreme Leader.

According to sources, the current situation due to the joint US and Israeli airstrikes is so volatile that it is currently impossible to convene a meeting of Iran's constitutional body, the Assembly of Experts.

Who Selects the Supreme Leader?

According to Iran's constitution, this council, consisting of 88 senior religious scholars, selects the Supreme Leader. This process is based on the principle of "vilayat-e-faqih," under which only a prominent religious scholar (cleric) can hold the position. However, Khamenei did not publicly name a successor during his lifetime, further complicating the selection process.

According to Iran International, confusion and disorganization have increased within the security and military structures following Khamenei's death. Reports indicate that parts of the command chain have broken down, there are difficulties in the exchange of orders, and there are difficulties in making decisions at the field level.

What is the IRGC afraid of?

Moreover, many military commanders and lower-level personnel are reluctant to report to their bases. Sources say they fear that military and command centers could be the next targets of US and Israeli attacks.

Meanwhile, the IRGC also fears that as Sunday dawns, people across the country may take to the streets, sparking a new wave of protests.

According to the news agency Reuters, Iran currently lacks a leader who wields the same religious and political authority as Khamenei. Therefore, establishing control over the IRGC and powerful religious institutions will prove to be a major challenge for whoever becomes the next Supreme Leader.

Summary

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed in an airstrike. Following this, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as the country's new Supreme Leader. According to state media, Ali Khamenei's office was targeted during an airstrike in Tehran on February 28, which claimed the life of the 86-year-old Khamenei. The government has stated that the attack was specifically targeted at government targets.