Media: Iran: Who is Most Likely to Succeed Khamenei? US Support Aircraft Approved to Use French Air Base

After the 86-year-old Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a U.S.-Israel bombing on February 28, the 88-member Iranian Assembly of Experts is currently initiating procedures to select a new Supreme Leader for Iran.

A member of the assembly said, "We are working hard, and if God wills, the new leader will be appointed as soon as possible." He said, "We are close to making a decision, but we are currently in a war."

One of the most favored candidates is Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who has close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and is considered to hold the same hardline political stance as his father. However, Mojtaba's rank within the religious hierarchy is still mid-level, which is a major obstacle in his bid for the position of Supreme Leader. Additionally, Ali Khamenei had previously stated that he did not want the position of Supreme Leader to become hereditary, as it was during the Pahlavi dynasty of Iran.

Another person who is considered a potential candidate is Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the first Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ruhollah Khomeini. He is seen as a representative of the reformists and a potential ideological rival to Mojtaba. However, Hassan Khomeini has never held an official position in the Iranian government system.

In terms of religious qualifications, Ali Reza Aghaie, the vice-chairman of the Assembly of Experts, is considered the most qualified. He is also a member of the Guardian Council. Theoretically, he could even approve his own candidacy.

Whoever is finally designated, this will be a high-risk position. The Israeli Defense Minister stated, "Any leader appointed by the current Iranian regime [...] regardless of their name or where they are hiding, will become a clear target for Israel."

The Iranian Assembly of Experts has become a potential target of attack, and its affiliated institutions in Qom were attacked on Monday and Tuesday this week.

AFP, Paris, 5th - The French General Staff said today that U.S. military support aircraft have been allowed to use a French airbase and stated that they have received "full assurances" that these aircraft did not participate in attacks against Iran.

The French General Staff stated in a statement: "U.S. aircraft providing operational support (non-combat aircraft) have been allowed to enter the Istres Air Base in France."

"The French require that these assets must not be involved in any actions initiated by the U.S. against Iran, and can only be used strictly for supporting the defense of our regional partners. France has received full assurance of this," the statement said.

The statement also pointed out: "This is part of routine procedures under the NATO framework."

Additionally, French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said: "Tankers are gas stations, not fighter jets."

"So the focus is clearly on the refueling capability, which is the only project authorized by the president."

Since the U.S. and Israel began attacking Iran on the 28th of last month, France has taken a purely defensive stance, as stated by President Macron (Emmanuel Macron).

Macron said on the 3rd that France has deployed the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" and other military assets to the Mediterranean.

He said that France has defense agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, and has "solid commitments" with Jordan and Iraq, all of which have been attacked by Iran.

Vautrin told RTL radio earlier today that two French bases in the UAE were attacked by Iran, but it is unclear whether they were targeted specifically. She added that six Rafale fighter jets have arrived in the UAE.

Left-wing political figures in France warned that France may be drawn into this war.

Source: rfi + AFP

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858853178960896/

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