The New York Times: Khamenei has prepared three successors in case of assassination. Today, 14:30 [Illustration: Image of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran. Picture source: https://p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-axegupay5k/d74aec5b1f0d43d18f14dbc6da2755f7~tplv-tt-origin-web:gif.jpeg?_iz=58558&from=article.pc_detail&lk3s=953192f4&x-expires=1751122631&x-signature=RkiPQRLnB5soEexFhgXYoGOKZ3s%3D] According to reports from three Iranian sources cited by The New York Times, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has prepared three successors in case of his assassination. Three Iranian officials stated that due to concerns about assassination, the current Supreme Leader mainly communicates with the military through a trusted aide from a bunker and has abandoned electronic communication to make it more difficult to track him. The report mentioned: "Officials added that one notable measure is that Ayatollah Khamenei even designated three senior clerics as candidates to succeed him after his assassination, which may be the most vivid representation of the danger faced by him and his thirty years of rule." It should be noted that since Israel launched a series of surprise attacks last Saturday, Ayatollah Khamenei has taken a series of unconventional measures to maintain the stability of the Islamic Republic. At 86 years old, Khamenei realized that Israel or the United States might attempt to assassinate him, and he viewed this as a martyrdom-like death. Considering this, the sources said: "Ayatollah made an unusual decision, entrusting the religious body 'Assembly of Experts,' responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader, to quickly select a successor from the three names he proposed." Official sources revealed: "Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, who is also a cleric and closely related to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, despite rumors that he was a top candidate, did not enter the list of candidates. Former conservative Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi was also considered a top candidate before his death in a helicopter crash in 2024." Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7518378458943177225/ Disclaimer: This article represents the author's personal views. Please express your opinions by clicking the "Top/Downvote" buttons below.