Iran Mourns Khamenei Amidst Leadership Transition and Israeli Threats
Iranians gather to mourn Supreme Leader Khamenei as the nation faces leadership transition and Israeli threats against his successor.
Iranians are set to commence a three-day mourning period for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike. The farewell ceremony will begin at 10 p.m. local time on Wednesday at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall. Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of Iran’s Islamic Propagation Council, stated that the hall will be open for visitors to pay their respects.
Khamenei, who led Iran since 1989, was killed on Saturday at the age of 86. His death has initiated the process of selecting a new supreme leader. Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a senior cleric and member of both the Guardian Council and Assembly of Experts, indicated that the country is close to choosing Khamenei’s successor, despite the current 'war situation.'
The 88-member Assembly of Experts, responsible for appointing the new leader, is expected to make a decision soon. Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's second son, is among the top contenders. Two Iranian sources cited by Reuters noted that Mojtaba has survived recent U.S.-Israeli attacks.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened to assassinate any leader chosen to succeed Khamenei. In a post on X, Katz stated that any leader selected by the Iranian regime to continue its current policies 'will be a certain target for assassination, no matter his name or where he hides.'
The situation remains tense as Iran prepares for both the mourning period and the impending leadership transition.