Iran Leader Chooses Successors, Cuts Communication As War With Israel Deepens

Last updated: Jun 22, 2025. 12:28 pm

By Praise Ben

3 Min Read

Iran Leader Chooses Successors

Iran Leader Chooses Successors, Cuts Communication As War With Israel Deepens .
Assembly of Experts urged to pick one if he’s assassinated.
Son Mojtaba excluded from shortlist, commanders told to go underground.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly named three potential successors and implemented a contingency leadership plan as tensions escalate with Israel.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the 86-year-old cleric, believed to be facing the most critical moment of his rule, is said to be operating from a fortified underground bunker and has drastically reduced his electronic communications to avoid surveillance.

According to a report by The New York Times, Iranian officials disclosed that Khamenei now relays directives to military commanders exclusively through a trusted intermediary. This shift in communication strategy follows fears that he could be directly targeted as Israel intensifies strikes on Iranian military and government infrastructure.

In preparation for a worst-case scenario, Khamenei has reportedly instructed Iran’s Assembly of Experts—charged with selecting a new Supreme Leader—to choose from a shortlist of three individuals he personally approved. Notably, his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has long been speculated as a likely successor, is not among the nominees.

The report further reveals that Khamenei has made backup appointments across Iran’s military command structure. This move follows the deaths of several top commanders, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in the early stages of the war.

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry has also ordered senior government and military figures to avoid electronic communications and remain in secure locations. While the dissident outlet Iran International claimed Khamenei and his family have taken shelter in Lavizan, northeast Tehran, no independent confirmation has been made.

Traditionally, succession in Iran is determined behind closed doors by the Assembly of Experts. However, in the face of war, Khamenei is pushing for a rapid and controlled transition should his leadership abruptly end.