Last updated:Nov 17, 2024 08:31 IST

Reports suggested that Ali Khamenei could step down before his death and have his son succeed him in the post.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (Reuters Image)

While maintaining high confidentiality, Tehran secretly selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as his successor, according to media reports.

Ali Khamenei, 85, who is reportedly suffering from a serious illness, could step down before his death and his son Mojtaba could take on the role while his father is still alive, according to Israeli news outlet ynetnews, which quoted Iran International, a Persian-language language. international media linked to opponents of the Iranian regime.

According to reports, on September 26, 60 members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts met at Khamenei’s request and were instructed to make a decision on the succession immediately and with utmost confidentiality.

Members of the Assembly are threatened with secrecy: reports

The Assembly ultimately reached a unanimous agreement to elect Mojtaba as Khamenei’s successor, despite their opposition to both the decision and the process of the move. However, the leader and his representatives insisted, which would also entail direct threats.

The decision to maintain maximum secrecy was made out of fear of widespread public protests. Members of the meeting were warned to keep the meeting and its details confidential. They were threatened with repercussions in the event of any spills, the reports said.

The details of the meeting were kept secret for five weeks.

Why the secrecy?

The fear surrounding the protests stems from the undemocratic nature of the succession process, exacerbated by Khamenei’s earlier choice of his second son for the role. Over the past two years, Mojtaba has been strategically groomed for leadership and has increasingly taken on a central role in the Iranian regime’s decision-making.

His appointment has therefore become a foregone conclusion, despite his lack of any experience and his non-participation in any formal positions in the government.

Ali Khamenei could step down during his lifetime and hand the reins to his second son, ensuring a smooth transition, sources familiar with the meeting said, according to the reports.

Khamenei hopes to make his son leader to avoid the expected opposition and protests that could arise after his death, they said.