Recent social media claims have sparked widespread speculation about the health of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 85, who is reported to be in a coma. These claims emerged shortly after Khamenei was “seriously ill.” Following this, news surfaced regarding a purported decision made during a secretive meeting of the Assembly of Experts to name his second son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor.
Succession Planning in Iran
The alleged succession plan was discussed in a clandestine meeting convened at the request of the ailing Supreme Leader on September 26. According to Iran International, which was referenced by Israeli media outlet Ynet News, members of the 60-member assembly felt significant pressure to arrive at a unanimous decision, with some representatives reportedly facing threats from Khamenei’s aides to ensure compliance. The decision was deliberately kept secret, driven by concerns over potential public backlash and fears of widespread protests. “The assembly resolved to maintain maximum secrecy over the decision due to fears of widespread public protests,” the report noted, adding that assembly members were cautioned against leaks under threat of severe consequences.
Mojtaba Khamenei’s increasing prominence within the regime has been visible over the last two years, despite his limited public appearances. Known for his role in suppressing the 2009 post-election protests, Mojtaba was granted the title of Ayatollah in 2021, thereby fulfilling the constitutional requirements to potentially become the next Supreme Leader.
Debunking the Coma Claims
As rumors intensified regarding Ali Khamenei’s health, Jason Brodsky, Policy Director at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) and a Non-Resident Scholar at the Middle East Institute, contradicted the reports, asserting that they were likely false. He also noted that Ali Khamenei was last seen in public on November 7, attempting to quell the speculation surrounding his health.
In response to the swirl of rumors, Iranian state media released a photograph of Khamenei in his office, meeting with Iran’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who was injured in Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in September. This move appears to be aimed at reassuring the public regarding the Supreme Leader’s health and authority amidst a climate of uncertainty.
Conclusion
As the Iranian regime navigates the potential transition of power amidst concerning health issues for its Supreme Leader, the implications of Mojtaba Khamenei’s anticipated ascent raise questions about the future of Iranian governance and the potential for public dissent. The deliberation and secrecy surrounding these developments reveal the fragile state of political stability in Iran.
