Assembly of Experts Nears Consensus on Iran's Next Supreme Leader

Iran's Assembly of Experts is close to a consensus on choosing the successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite some obstacles, a candidate aligned with Khamenei’s advice has reportedly been selected. There is a debate about whether the decision requires an in-person meeting. The U.S. President has voiced objections to Khamenei's son as an option.

The Assembly of Experts in Iran is reportedly nearing a consensus on selecting a successor for the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the country's supreme leader, according to Ayatollah Mohammadmehdi Mirbaqeri.

Although a majority agreement has been achieved, Mirbaqeri noted that certain procedural hurdles still need to be addressed. Speculation arises from differing opinions within the group on whether the decision requires an in-person meeting or can be finalized without one.

Ayatollah Mohsen Heidari Alekasir stated that an in-person meeting is currently impractical. He indicated that a candidate has already been chosen, echoing Khamenei’s criteria that the leader should be disliked rather than praised by adversaries, a statement implicitly addressing U.S. concerns about Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, as a potential successor.