Throughout the internet multiple media reports that recently Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei was in a coma. Then after some heavy discussions, Ali Khamenei’s second son Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as the successor.
Iran is facing a critical moment as reports suggest its supreme leader Ali Khamenei is severely ill.
Multiple sources claimed the 85-year-old leader is in a coma, creating speculations about the country’s leadership succession.
Khamenei’s health has been under scrutiny this month, with the Times of India reporting in October that he is ‘seriously ill’.
Despite these claims, Khamenei’s office tried to dismiss the rumour by releasing a photograph on Sunday showing him meeting Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani.
Khamenei’s potential successor has also drawn attention. Depending on the reports it indicates that his second son, Mojataba Khamenei, 55, has been secretly chosen to lead Iran.
Mojataba is known for his significant influence on the nation’s security and religious intuitions. Some reports suggest that he might come into power even before his father’s death.
This definitely will make a rare and potentially controversial shift in the Iran leadership structure.
This leadership crisis comes as Iran navigates a volatile regional landscape. Last month, Khamenei broke a five-year silence to deliver a sermon in which he condemned Israel and supported Palestinian and Lebanese movements.
Referring to Iran’s missile strike on Israeli infrastructure, Khamenei described the action as a “public service” and that Israel “won’t last long”.
It is pretty much known that Iran is backing up Hamas and Hezbollah continues to fuel tensions with Israel.
Hezbollah recently suffered a deadly explosion in Lebanon that killed 39 people and injured thousands, including Ambassador Amani, who met with Khamenei shortly before the photo was posted.
Both Hezbollah and Iran blamed the attack on Israel for escalating the confrontation.
Now due to the post by Khamenei’s office, it’s difficult to justify Khamenei’s health situation.
Plus, the combination of Ali Khamenei’s health issues and potential leadership transition to Mojtaba Iran’s escalating involvement in regional conflicts signals are precarious period for the Islamic Republic.
Then, can’t unsee the fact that Mojataba, does have close ties to Iran’s security apparatus, and could further consolidate power domestically while maintaining Iran’s confrontational stance toward Israel.
The unfolding Understanding of the outcome of these events can be a bit confusing but these events will likely shape Iran’s political and strategic direction ahead.
