Iran has decided to postpone the appointment of a new successor to the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei due to security concerns. This comes in light of warnings from the U.S. and Israel that the new head of state could become a target for attacks. This information was provided by two Iranian officials.

According to sources, fears for the safety of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain ayatollah, have intensified following reports of his potential candidacy for the position of the new Supreme Leader. If Mojtaba Khamenei assumes this role, it could lead to the continuation of a hardline and conservative policy in the Islamic Republic.

Influential Figure

The publication notes that Mojtaba Khamenei is described as a “mysterious yet influential figure” who has close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Statements from International Leaders

On March 4, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that any new leader of Iran who continues the course of his predecessor will become a target for his country. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump also expressed a desire to be involved in the process of appointing a new Supreme Leader of Iran, noting that Khamenei’s son is “nobody.”