His supreme leader Iran Ayatollah Aliwho has been in power since 1989, said that Tehran would not show any mercy if Israel proceeds with its threats. However, if these threats become act, the question is: Who will succeed him?
THE Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu He made an open threat of murder against 86 -year -old Ali Hameni, implying that his death could also mean the end of the Chronic tensions between Iran – Israel.
A similar warning was issued and the Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katzwho likened Hamenee to Saddam Hussein, implying that he could have the same ending.
A few hours after his departure from the G7 Summit, US President Donald Trump added his own threats, saying that the US “knows the exact location of Kamenei and can neutralize it – they just don’t do it … for the time being.”
For his part, Iran’s supreme religious leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a video message on state television, spoke of a huge mistake that Israel committed warning, indeed, How to be punished for it.
Hameni wanted with his profession to send Three clear ‘messages’ in the American and Israeli sidewhile expressing their solidarity with the citizens of Iran “suffering from Israeli air raids and bombings”.
Initially, Iran’s supreme religious leader emphasized that Israel first launched the attacks while Tehran participated in indirect negotiations with the US for the future of the Iranian nuclear program, clarifying that Iran had not shown its intention for some military action. hostilities.
Then he himself stated that “Americans should be aware that Iran will not be surrendered and that any US military intervention will cause irreparable damage.” clarifying that “US involvement is an indication of Israel’s weakness.”
Since last Friday, Israel has eliminated many top generals of the Revolutionary Guards – the Iranian military force – among them Chic Jossein Salamis, Aerospace Unit Commander and Chairman of the Ballistic Program.
All of them were part of the narrow circle of the consultants of Khamenei – an informal core of hard -core priests, military and political associates.
The 86 -year -old Hameni holds the absolute power In all areas – government, army, judicial system, choosing or offering generals and judges, but also intervening in the details of state function.
Although the Iran has president, reformer Massoud Pezkian – His power is limited and exercised under the supervision of the Supreme Leader, that is, Ali Hameni.
Although elected officials manage daily cases, no major political decision, especially with regard to the US, is proceeding without the approval of the loser.
Experts outside Iran describe him as one mystical ideologue, frightened by betrayals – Fear that was reinforced by the attempted murder against him in 1981, which left him paralyzed in his right hand.
The threat against the life of the Supreme Leader of Iran raises vital questions about Iran’s future.
Who could succeed Hameni at the top of Islamic power?
The dominant ones are:
Mojtaba
The second son of Ali Khamenei and perhaps his father’s most likely successor. Born in 1969, he has close ties with the revolution guards and the religious elite of the regime. Although it has a medium clergyman, it has a great influence on state affairs.
Fishery
A One of the most trusted associates of Hameni. He holds senior positions such as: Vice -President of the Assembly of Specialists, Member of the Friday Guard Council and Imam in the city of Communist Party. He is deeply aware of the structure of Iran’s power.
Ali Asgar Hetzazzi
Security officer of Hameni. It guides information management and plays a critical role in making strategic and defense decisions.
Mohammad Golpagani
Head of the Office of Hameni for decades. One of his most trusted associates, with deep knowledge of Iran’s state mechanism.
According to the Iranian Constitution, the responsibility for the selection of a new top leader belongs to the assembly of experts. It is a body 88 high -ranking clergymen elected every eight years. The assembly can choose either a new leader or a collective leader.
The possible murder of Khamenei will not only mean a change of face, but possibly the rearrangement of the entire theocratic structure of Iran. For Israel and the West, this may look like an opportunity. For Tehran’s regime, however, this is an existential threat.
So far, Hameni appears determined not to retreat.
On Wednesday, he stated in a post on the X platform (formerly Twitter): “We have to give a strong response to the Zionist terrorist regime. We will not show any mercy to the Zionists’, Hameni wrote on X.
But the shadow of its succession is heavily overwhelmed by the Islamic Republic and its successors are vigilant.