Iran’s clerical body selects Khamenei successor, name yet to be announced

The clerical body responsible for choosing Iran’s next Supreme Leader has made its decision, though the appointee’s identity has not been publicly disclosed, members said on Sunday.“The vote to appoint the leader has taken place and the leader has been chosen,” said Ahmad Alamolhoda, a member of the Assembly of Experts, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency.

He added that the secretariat of the Assembly will announce the name at a later date.

Other members confirmed the decision, with some suggesting that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, may take over the position. Ali Khamenei, who became Iran’s Supreme Leader in 1989, held the country’s highest political and religious authority, with final say on all matters of state.

Mohsen Heydari, representing Khuzestan province in the Assembly of Experts, said: “The most suitable candidate, approved by the majority of the Assembly of Experts, has been determined,” according to ISNA News Agency.

In an unusual international remark, Heydari added: “The ‘Great Satan’ has also mentioned the name of the choice made by the representatives,” referencing the United States.

US President Donald Trump has claimed he should have a say in choosing Iran’s next leader and dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei as a “lightweight,” a position Iranian officials have firmly rejected.

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region following the death of Ali Khamenei and ongoing conflicts involving Iran, the US, and allied countries.