Iran07 March, 20262 min read
Israel Threatens To Target Whoever Becomes Iran’s Next Supreme Leader
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Iran’s Assembly of Experts reached majority decision on new supreme leader; name not announced Israel warned it will target anyone who succeeds or selects Iran’s next supreme leader
Reports on Khamenei's death
Multiple outlets report that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died and that the country's succession process has been set in motion. Accounts differ on the cause of his death and on whether the reports are confirmed.
“Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died at 86, state TV reported.”
State media reported his death and the Assembly of Experts is preparing to name a successor. Several outlets describe the killing as resulting from a reported U.S.-Israeli strike, a claim that some sources treat as unconfirmed or internally inconsistent.
Assembly succession reports
Several outlets report the 88-member Assembly of Experts has moved toward selecting a successor, and multiple names and processes are being discussed amid urgency. The Jerusalem Post says the Assembly is "reportedly poised to name Mojtaba ... as the country’s next supreme leader." POLITICO.eu and other reports indicate the Assembly has already voted or reached a decision and that the selection criteria include being someone who would 'be hated by the enemy.'
Iran succession dispute
The succession process is contested within Iran, with reports of deep disagreement over procedure, legitimacy and participation. Sources describe a split between those insisting on an in-person plenary and others backing a remote announcement.
“Iran’s 88-member Assembly of Experts is split over how to pick a successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: some members insist on a formal in‑person plenary, while others — citing wartime security concerns and recent strikes that killed officials and reportedly damaged an Assembly building in Qom — want to announce a choice without convening.”
The Jerusalem Post notes a "nearly a consensus" has been reported but also that "eight of the 88 Assembly members reportedly refused to attend the vote." Critics question Mojtaba's religious credentials and the propriety of a dynastic succession.
Threats over leadership selection
Israel and other external actors have signalled they will not accept certain outcomes. Threats to target those involved in selecting a new leader have been explicitly voiced. The Jerusalem Post reports the IDF’s Farsi account warned it would pursue and "not hesitate to target" Mojtaba and others involved.
Al Jazeera says "Israel’s military warned it would target Assembly members who attempt to appoint a new leader." Regional fighting and strikes linked to the wider confrontation have continued, including intensified IDF operations in Lebanon.
Succession and regional escalation
A succession row is unfolding alongside broader regional escalation and stark international rhetoric, raising questions about legality, stability and humanitarian impact. Observers note U.S. and Israeli statements, including President Trump’s insistence on 'unconditional surrender' and other threats, and reports of cross-border strikes and civilian harm. Outlets cite casualty and displacement figures from Lebanon and warn of continuing instability as Iran’s constitutional timetable for appointing a new leader presses on.
“President Trump said the ultimate U.S. aim in the conflict is ‘unconditional surrender’ by Iran’s leaders, after days of mixed signals from the White House about the war’s justifications and goals.”