Irans Religious Scholars Signal New Leader Will Be Named Soon

Tehran, Iran - Senior members of the 88-member Assembly of Experts have expressed their intention to appoint a new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The assembly’s top figures have stated that a significant majority has formed on the selection of the next leader, but some obstacles need to be removed before an announcement can be made.

Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, a senior member of the Assembly of Experts, said in a video released by Fars news agency that “an almost decisive opinion has been reached” and that the assembly is working to overcome any remaining hurdles. Ahmad Alamolhoda, another top ultraconservative Muslim leader representing Mashhad, stated that the leader has already been chosen.

Abbas Kaabi, a senior member of the Guardian Council, was quoted as saying that Ayatollah Khamenei mentioned financial piety and adherence to the principles of the 1979 Islamic revolution as key attributes for a future leader. Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late supreme leader, is believed to be a frontrunner for the position.

The selection process has been complicated by the ongoing conflict between Iran and its regional neighbors, with the US and Israel expressing their interest in changing the government of Iran. The Israeli army has launched air strikes targeting Iranian officials and offices, while the US President Donald Trump has objected to Mojtaba Khamenei’s ascension.

The armed forces leading the military attacks have released statements emphasizing that they are ready for months of war if necessary. The Assembly of Experts is expected to announce the next supreme leader soon, with some hardliners calling on them to expedite the process.

Source: Al Jazeera