Frontrunners emerge as Iranian officials discuss possible successors to Khamenei: report
Share this @internewscast.com

Several leading candidates are being considered to potentially replace Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has reportedly gone into seclusion amidst the coordinated military efforts by Israel and the United States against Iran, according to a report. 

A committee composed of three members, appointed by Khamenei, has intensified its efforts to select his successor. This activity has increased after multiple airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as per information from five insiders familiar with the matter, Reuters stated. 

The frontrunners for succession include Mojtaba Khamenei, who is Ayatollah Khamenei’s 56-year-old son and was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2019, and Hassan Khomeini, aged 53, who is the grandson of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, according to these sources. 

“Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the Supreme Leader, is designated… for representing the Supreme Leader in an official capacity despite never being elected or appointed to a government position aside from work in the office of his father,” the Treasury Department said in 2019 while sanctioning him.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei speaks

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei addresses the nation on Iranian state television broadcast in Tehran, Iran, on June 18, 2025. (Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The sources reportedly said that no decision has been made yet, more candidates could emerge and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – who is regularly kept up to date on the talks – would have the final say.

Khamenei is sheltering right now in a bunker and has suspended all electronic communications with his commanders, according to the New York Times. 

damage at the Fordow enrichment facility

This satellite picture by Planet Labs PBC shows Iran’s underground nuclear enrichment site at Fordow following U.S. airstrikes targeting the facility on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

He is relaying orders only through a trusted aide to protect his location amid assassination concerns. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Judge says Trump administration can't use travel ban to keep 80 refugees out of the US

Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Use of Travel Ban to Exclude 80 Refugees from Entering U.S.

A federal judge has prohibited the Trump administration from applying its travel…
St. Augustine woman escapes attempted kidnapping at work

St. Augustine Woman Successfully Evades Kidnapping Attempt at Workplace

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office released a video of an attempted…
FBI captures former Marine Corps reservist accused of shooting at ICE officers at Texas detention center

Former Marine Corps Reservist Arrested by FBI for Allegedly Shooting at ICE Officers in Texas

Federal authorities apprehended a military veteran on Tuesday afternoon, who was sought…
2025 Emmys Snubs & Surprises: ‘Paradise’ Is In (Yay!) But ‘Landman’ Is Out (Boo!)

Unexpected Results at the 2025 Emmys: ‘Paradise’ Scores a Nomination While ‘Landman’ Misses Out

The 77th Emmy nominations are here and they are chock-full of snubs…

Emotional 911 call from NFL legend John Elway after tragic golf cart accident claiming his agent’s life is released

THE 911 call made by NFL legend John Elway following the tragic…
Menendez brothers bank on new trial as backup if parole bid fails

Menendez Brothers Consider New Trial as Alternative if Parole Attempt Fails

The notorious Menendez brothers, who notoriously murdered their parents with a shotgun…
Illegal migrant enters plea in crash that killed boy one day before his 12th birthday

Undocumented Immigrant Pleads Guilty in Crash That Killed Boy a Day Before His 12th Birthday

A woman who was in the U.S. illegally admitted to causing a…
Texas flood survivors look for God in the face of tragedy

Texas Flood Survivors Seek Faith Amidst Tragedy

After witnessing their homes become unrecognizable due to severe flooding earlier this…
Jon Rahm has sights set on third leg of career grand slam at British Open

Jon Rahm Aims for Third Career Grand Slam Victory at the British Open

PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — If you’re guided by history and trends when…
JSO: Former Duval County music teacher arrested on child sex crimes

JSO: Ex-Duval County Music Teacher Charged with Child Sexual Offenses

Gregg Gafford, 42, stands accused of crimes allegedly committed during his tenure…
How Trump plans to dismantle the Education Department after Supreme Court ruling

Trump’s Strategy to Overhaul the Education Department Following Supreme Court Decision

Education Secretary Linda McMahon is poised to act swiftly following the Supreme…
Port of Los Angeles sees record container traffic as Trump tariff deadlines loom

Port of Los Angeles Experiences Unprecedented Container Traffic Amidst Imminent Trump Tariff Deadlines

Importers are hastily bringing goods into the United States before upcoming tariff…