TEHRAN / MASHHAD — Senior Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda has officially claimed that the Assembly of Experts has concluded its vote and a new Supreme Leader has been selected.
According to Alamolhoda, the Friday prayer leader of Mashhad, the decision-making process is complete, and the responsibility for the public announcement now "rests entirely with the Secretariat of the Assembly of Experts," specifically under the authority of Ayatollah Hosseini Bushehri.
Key Developments
Official Selection: Alamolhoda dismissed reports of a deadlock as "completely false," asserting that the vote has already taken place and is final under the constitution.
The Frontrunner: While an official name has not been broadcast by state media, widespread reports and internal leaks suggest Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Ali Khamenei, has been chosen by a majority vote.
Security Concerns: The official announcement has reportedly been delayed due to the ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States. Following the assassination of Ali Khamenei on February 28, Israeli officials have publicly warned that any successor will be considered a "legitimate target."
Institutional Pressure: Sources indicate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has been heavily lobbying the Assembly to finalize the succession to ensure stability during the current military crisis.
Transition of Power
Until the Secretariat formally unveils the new Leader, Iran continues to be governed by an Interim Leadership Council comprising:
Masoud Pezeshkian (President)
Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i (Judiciary Chief)
Alireza Arafi (Guardian Council jurist)
The Secretariat is expected to coordinate the timing of the announcement with national security officials to mitigate the risk of further strikes during the transition.
