Iran’s clerical council reportedly agrees on successor to Supreme Leader

Iran’s powerful clerical body responsible for selecting the country’s supreme leader has reportedly reached a majority agreement on a successor following the death of Ali Khamenei.

The development was disclosed by members of the Assembly of Experts, the institution constitutionally tasked with appointing and supervising the supreme leader in Iran.

However, officials say the decision has not yet been formally announced, as certain procedural matters must still be resolved before a public declaration can be made.

The leadership transition comes amid an ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which has reportedly resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian officials and military commanders.

Council says consensus reached, but announcement pending

According to Mohammadmehdi Mirbaqeri, a member of the Assembly of Experts, the selection process is nearing completion although some issues remain unresolved.

Another cleric, Mohsen Heidari Alekasir, reportedly said the assembly had already chosen a candidate to succeed the late leader but had not yet formally communicated the decision.

He explained that the unusual security situation created by the conflict has complicated the process, making it difficult for the assembly to meet in a full plenary session.

Heidari Alekasir also warned that any attempt to target the clerical assembly during the ongoing war would benefit Iran’s adversaries and undermine the country’s political system.

Trump rejects Khamenei’s son, demands role in choosing Iran’s next leader

Similarly, Ahmad Alamolhoda confirmed that a successor had been selected and said the responsibility for announcing the decision lies with the head of the assembly’s secretariat, Hashem Hosseini Bushehri.

Reports in Iranian media suggest members of the council are still debating how to finalise and communicate the decision due to security risks.

Some clerics are considering remote procedures or written approvals instead of convening a full physical meeting.

These concerns intensified after reports that a building linked to the Assembly of Experts in Qom was damaged during air strikes earlier in the conflict.

Attention turns to Mojtaba Khamenei

Among figures widely discussed as a potential successor is Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late leader.

He has long been considered one of the most influential figures within Iran’s clerical and political establishment despite not holding a formal government position.

Mojtaba Khamenei is believed to maintain close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has built considerable influence within the political structure behind the scenes.

His name recently drew international attention after Donald Trump described him as the most likely successor while also criticising the possibility of such an appointment.

The position of Iran’s supreme leader remains the most powerful role in the country’s political system, with authority over the military, judiciary, and major aspects of national policy.

Ali Khamenei held the position from 1989 until his death and had previously served as Iran’s president before becoming the supreme leader.

The Assembly of Experts is expected to make a formal announcement once internal procedures surrounding the succession process are completed.