Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? 7 things to know about Iran’s likely next leader
7. Even if chosen, his survival could be uncertain
The next supreme leader will assume power during a period of extreme instability and personal risk. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that any Iranian leader chosen to replace Khamenei would become a target for assassination, stating on social media that such a leader would be a “certain target for assassination, no matter his name or where he hides,” according to the Telegraph.
The Journal also raises doubts about the long-term survival of any new leader because of ongoing attacks. It reports that Iranian, Arab and Western officials are questioning “how long the younger Khamenei would survive the onslaught.”
His possible elevation, therefore, raises a larger question about the durability of leadership itself during the conflict, since the position could place him directly in the crosshairs of continuing U.S. and Israeli operations.
