Israel Threatens To Target Whoever Becomes Iran’s Next Supreme Leader

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.

“Iran’s 88-member Assembly of Experts — the clerical body constitutionally charged with selecting the country’s supreme leader — has reportedly reached a majority consensus on a successor, Assembly member Ayatollah Mohammad‑Mahdi Mirbagheri told state-linked Mehr news agency”

Al Jazeera

Accounts differ on the cause of his death and on whether the reports are confirmed.

Al Jazeera

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.

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."

Al-Jazeera Net

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.'

The succession process is contested within Iran, with reports of deep disagreement over procedure, legitimacy and participation.

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Anadolu Ajansı

Sources describe a split between those insisting on an in-person plenary and others backing a remote announcement.

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.

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.

Anadolu Ajansı

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.

A succession row is unfolding alongside broader regional escalation and stark international rhetoric, raising questions about legality, stability and humanitarian impact.

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Arab News

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.

Global Banking & Finance Review®

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.