Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, March 8: Iran’s powerful clerical body responsible for appointing the country’s supreme leader has reportedly selected a successor following the death of long-time leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian media reports.

Members of the 88-member Assembly of Experts, which has the constitutional authority to choose the supreme leader, said a decision has been reached but the name of the selected leader has not yet been publicly announced.

“The vote to appoint the leader has taken place and the leader has been chosen,” a member of the Assembly of Experts was quoted as saying by Iranian media. Officials added that the identity of the new leader will be revealed later.

Mojtaba Khamenei and Hassan Khamenei (right)

The delay in announcing the name is believed to be due to security concerns and the ongoing conflict in the region as tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States continue to escalate.

Meanwhile, speculation has intensified over who might take over the powerful post.

Among the names frequently mentioned is Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is believed to wield significant influence within Iran’s clerical and security establishment.

Another possible contender is Hassan Khomeini, a reform-leaning cleric and the grandson of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He is considered relatively moderate compared to many figures in the country’s religious leadership.

The supreme leader is Iran’s highest political and religious authority and holds ultimate control over the country’s armed forces, judiciary and key state policies.

An official announcement regarding the new supreme leader is expected soon.