Iran Reportedly Considers Replacing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's Son

Amidst ongoing contacts between Iran and the United States, a new report suggests a potential shift in the Islamic Republic's leadership. Two sources close to various factions within the regime told IranWire that following an agreement with the U.S. and the cessation of military confrontations with the U.S. and Israel, a new supreme leader will be chosen. These sources claim that many political leaders and Revolutionary Guards commanders believe that Mojtaba Khamenei's continued leadership is unsustainable and weakens the system. The report indicates that numerous members of the Assembly of Experts also support selecting a new supreme leader.

However, a source formerly serving in the Revolutionary Guards stated that certain elements within the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij militia desire the continuation of hostility and war, viewing their present and future solely through this lens. This source added that the absence of a strong leader is a "blessing" for these groups.

One source, who maintains connections with senior ayatollahs in Qom, suggested that Khamenei is physically unable to fulfill all his duties for "certain reasons." This individual indicated that senior officials are awaiting a calming of tensions and the end of the war, after which a respected cleric would assume the role of "Velayat" (leadership or guardianship).

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources informed Saudi channel Al-Hadath that intermediary countries are working to foster understanding between the U.S. and Iran, with communication channels remaining open. These sources cited a lack of trust between the two nations as the reason direct talks did not occur during the UN General Assembly in New York. Separately, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the nuclear issue would be resolved soon and that Iran is collapsing.