#NYT: Iran delays Khamenei successor decision due to security concerns

Iran has delayed announcing a successor to its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, due to security concerns after comments from the United States and Israel suggested the next leader could also become a target, according to a report Thursday by The New York Times.

The report, citing two Iranian officials, said the delay stems from fears that publicly identifying the next leader could expose him to elimination attempts.

Ayatollah Khamenei was eliminated in American and Israeli strikes that have also eliminated senior military commanders and other figures connected to Iran’s defense establishment. The leaders of Iran’s three branches of government, the presidency, judiciary and parliament, remain alive.

According to The New York Times, Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has emerged as a leading contender to replace his father. However, security concerns increased after reports surfaced in the media suggesting he could become the new face of Iran.