With Israeli airstrikes pounding Tehran and the regime in turmoil, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei takes refuge in a bunker while secretly selecting potential heirs to ensure continuity in Iran’s leadership.

At a Glance

• Khamenei has named three senior clerics as successors, noticeably excluding his own son.
• Amid increased Israeli airstrikes, Khamenei is hiding, avoiding electronic communication to remain undetected.
• These succession plans signify a potential political shift, addressing traditionally taboo topics.
• The Council of Experts, comprising 88 Islamic jurists, will ultimately decide on the next Supreme Leader.

Inside Khamenei’s BunkerIran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is in hiding amid devastating Israeli airstrikes that have demolished parts of Tehran more significantly than during the Iran-Iraq War. In a precautionary measure, he has ceased using electronic devices to avoid detection and thus minimize the risk of assassination attempts. This development occurs as Israel continues aggressive military actions to curb Iran’s nuclear potentials and missile capabilities. While Khamenei’s precise location remains secret, he relays commands through a close assistant, maintaining a grip over Iran’s leadership.

Even as he hunkers down, Khamenei ensures the regime’s survival through strategic planning. The New York Times reports that the appointment of three senior clerics as his potential successors demonstrates a proactive approach to avoid leadership vacuum risks. Noticeably excluded from this list is his son, Mojtaba, sparking further intrigue in an already volatile political environment.

Succession Planning amidst Chaos

The urgency to establish a line of succession follows the tragic helicopter crash that claimed President Ibrahim Raisi’s life in 2024. Aware of the heightened instability this could provoke within the Iranian leadership, Khamenei seeks to ensure a controlled, organized transition through meticulous preparation. The selection of successors represents a significant departure from the norm in Iranian politics, where such topics remained tightly under wraps.

However, this succession strategy also highlights the profound pressure facing the Iranian regime. Encounters with both external military threats and internal sabotage in the form of alleged Israeli operatives deploying drones reveal the severity of this crisis. Despite these challenges, Iran’s leadership structure persists, albeit severely tested.

Guardians of the Republic

The role of the Council of Experts looms large in this process — a body of 88 Islamic jurists responsible for selecting the next Supreme Leader. Designed to create consensual decisions, the Council acts as a stabilizing force, cushioning Iran from leadership disruptions amidst continued assaults by Israel. Should Khamenei’s tenure abruptly end, the Council stands poised to elect a successor promptly to uphold governance continuity.

The prospect of an alternative arrangement, such as a leadership council composed of multiple clerics, remains under discussion. However, many suggest that should internal conflicts persist, a single decisive leader may be assigned to centralize the authority profoundly and effectively.