Iran Delays Khamenei Memorial Amidst Israeli Threats Against Successor
Iran has postponed a memorial ceremony for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was recently assassinated in a joint airstrike by Israel and the United States. The delay, reported by Iran's Tasnim news agency, is attributed to logistical challenges, including requests from various provinces to attend the event. The farewell ceremony, initially scheduled to start at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall, was expected to draw large crowds, reminiscent of the 10 million attendees at Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's funeral in 1989. However, the threat of further US-Israeli attacks looms over the gathering.
Khamenei, who was 86 at the time of his death, had served as Iran's supreme leader since 1989, following the country's 1979 revolution led by Khomeini. The supreme leader holds significant power, overseeing all branches of government, the military, and the judiciary, while also serving as a spiritual leader. In the wake of Khamenei's assassination, Iran is in the process of selecting his successor, a decision that has become urgent given the current "war situation," according to Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a senior cleric and member of the Guardian Council and Assembly of Experts.
The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body elected every eight years, is responsible for appointing the new supreme leader. Candidates must be vetted by the Guardian Council and meet criteria such as deep knowledge of Shia Islamic jurisprudence, political judgment, and administrative capability. Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's second son, is considered a top contender for the position, having survived recent attacks on Iran.
Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark warning, threatening to assassinate any leader chosen to succeed Khamenei if they continue policies perceived as hostile to Israel and its allies. Katz stated that any such leader would be a "certain target for assassination," regardless of their identity or location. This sentiment echoes US President Donald Trump's remarks, who expressed concerns about Iran's future leadership potentially opposing US interests.
Despite the turmoil, Iran's political system appears prepared for the transition. Luciano Zaccara, a research associate professor at Qatar University, noted that Iran has anticipated such a scenario, ensuring that the power structures and command lines remain intact. As the country navigates this critical juncture, the international community watches closely, with the potential for escalating conflict in the region.