Iran’s Supreme Leader names successor in case US and Israel Eliminate him

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has identified three high-ranking clerics as potential successors in the event of his death amid the escalating conflict with Israel.

Khamenei has appointed three senior clerics as potential successors and has also outlined replacements within the military leadership, anticipating the possible loss of more top officials.

According to The New York Times, Khamenei has also taken the “unusual step” of directing Iran’s Assembly of Experts—the body responsible for appointing the supreme leader—to select his successor from the three individuals he has named.

While the names of the three clerics remain undisclosed, the directive is viewed as a measure to guarantee a smooth and rapid transition of power.

“Ayatollah Khamenei’s son Mojtaba, also a cleric and close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, who was rumoured to be a front-runner, is not among the candidates,” the report said.

Khamenei has also appointed successors within his military command structure to ensure continuity if additional senior officials are killed.

This comes after the elimination of Saeed Izadi, commander of the Palestine Corps, which was confirmed by the Israel Defence Forces on Saturday morning.

Israel’s Plan to Destroy Khamenei

Israel aims to target Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government and push it to the brink of collapse, Israeli officials said.

Additionally, Israel has targeted to include key government institutions, such as the police force and the state-run television headquarters in Tehran.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to weaken Iran to the point where it has no choice but to make significant, lasting concessions on ending its nuclear enrichment program.

Trump Threatens Khamenei

President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the United States is fully aware of the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing him as an easy target though not one they intend to eliminate for the time being.

“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there. We are not going to take him out, at least not for now,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

In response Khamenei, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, declared that the Iran nation would never surrender to the demands of the US President.

While addressing the Iranian nation, he said that war would be met with war, bombing with bombing, and a strike with a strike.

“We warn America of the consequences of engaging in war, because it will suffer severe damage if it decides to do so,” Khamenei said.

In his address, he also warned that the United States would face “irreparable damage” if it continued on its current path.