Israel has made a strong threat against Iran’s new supreme leader following a missile attack that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Defence Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official, Israel Katz, warned of targeting any successor to the leadership position within the Iranian regime. This warning came as Khamenei’s son emerged as the likely successor, with reports suggesting his election was hastily pushed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The recent airstrikes jointly carried out by the US and Israel targeted the Ayatollah’s residence in Tehran, resulting in his demise amidst the destruction. In response to rumors surrounding the new leadership in Iran, Katz issued a stern message declaring that any individual chosen by the Iranian regime to continue the plan of destroying Israel and threatening global peace would face assassination, regardless of their identity or location.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second eldest son of Ali Khamenei, aged 56, reportedly secured the position to succeed his father after much speculation. Despite Mojtaba’s lack of prior prominent roles within the regime, his influence and connections behind the scenes are significant. While the concept of a father-to-son succession is viewed unfavorably in Iranian politics, appointing Mojtaba could signal Tehran’s unwavering stance to external powers.
Former President Donald Trump highlighted the limited options for a new supreme leader in Iran due to the elimination of top candidates. Trump expressed concerns about the potential outcomes of a new leader being as detrimental as their predecessor, emphasizing the need to avoid such a scenario.
Apart from Khamenei, multiple key figures in his administration were also casualties of the recent bombing campaign, including Iran’s defense minister and top commanders. The attack also claimed the lives of the Ayatollah’s family members.
