Recent US airstrikes on Iran have ignited a simmering debate within the country’s leadership, pushing to the forefront the question of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s future. Sources close to the situation reveal a clandestine group, comprised of influential businessmen, political and military figures, and even relatives of high-ranking clerics, are actively strategizing a post-Khamenei Iran.
This group’s plan, developed in the days leading up to the American attacks, envisions a future Iran either without Khamenei, should he pass away, or one where he is effectively sidelined. The legal route – a vote by the Assembly of Experts to remove him – appears improbable given the current political climate. Instead, the plotters are exploring a more informal approach, potentially involving persuasion or pressure to transfer power temporarily to a substitute leader.
Their proposed solution involves a leadership committee composed of several high-ranking officials. This committee would assume control of the country and, crucially, initiate negotiations with the United States to de-escalate tensions, particularly with regard to Israeli actions. The sources, understandably fearful of retribution, shared these details hoping that public awareness might influence regional and international reactions.
Interestingly, former president Hassan Rouhani, though not directly involved in these discussions, is reportedly being considered for a significant role within the proposed leadership committee. Adding another layer of complexity, some military officials within the group have reportedly made contact with their counterparts in a major Gulf state, aiming to secure support for a change in Iran’s leadership and overall trajectory.
The implications of this internal power struggle are vast, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. The success of this covert operation remains uncertain, but its existence underscores the deep divisions and anxieties within Iran’s ruling elite in the face of escalating international pressure. The coming weeks and months will undoubtedly be critical in determining the future of Iran and its leadership.
