"The most suitable candidate, approved by the majority of the Assembly of Experts, has been determined, Mohsen Heydari, a member of the selection body, said on Sunday, according to Iran's ISNA news agency. Another member, Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, confirmed in a video carried by Iran's Fars news agency that a firm opinion reflecting the majority view has been reached."
"In recent days, Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, Ali Khamenei's son, emerged as an early frontrunner. But his appointment is far from certain as critics would view the move as entrenching a regime accused by rights groups of killing at least 7,000 people in recent months."
"In addition, a father-to-son succession is also frowned upon within Iran's Shia clerical establishment, particularly in a republic born from the overthrow of a monarchy in 1979. Under Iran's constitution, the 88-member Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting the country's supreme leader."
Iran's 88-member Assembly of Experts has determined a successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Members confirmed a majority decision has been reached, though the name was not immediately disclosed. Mojtaba Khamenei, the deceased leader's 56-year-old son, emerged as a frontrunner but faces opposition due to concerns about entrenching authoritarian rule and violating Iran's clerical traditions against dynastic succession following the 1979 revolution. Israel has warned it will target any chosen successor and pursue those involved in the selection process. The succession decision occurred amid escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran, with Iranian strikes targeting Gulf energy infrastructure and Israeli attacks on Iranian oil facilities.
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