The Moment Tehran Prepared For Is Here

This is a crucial moment for the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Numerous reports have emerged about the Supreme Leader's fate since Saturday morning, when it became clear that his home was the target of the initial attacks.

Satellite images showed extensive damage to his compound.

The initial response from Iran was that he had been moved to a safe location.

Then came news that the 86-year-old cleric was scheduled to speak on state television, but nothing happened.

By evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in a televised speech that "there are many indications" that the Supreme Leader "is no more."

Several reports in Israeli and US media, quoting unnamed officials, claimed concrete evidence of his death.

Meanwhile, Iranian officials continued to deny this.

But then, several hours after US President Donald Trump announced the news on his social media platforms, Iranian state television confirmed that Khamenei had been killed.

These are crucial moments in the Islamic Republic of Iran's turbulent history—but its most powerful clerics and commanders are preparing for them.

During the 12-day war last June, all attention was focused on one thing. On the first night alone, in the first wave of attacks, Israel managed to kill nine nuclear scientists and several security chiefs. And in the days that followed, more senior scientists and at least 30 senior commanders were killed.

It became clear that the Ayatollah might also be in their sights.

Read Also

Global Tensions Rise as Trump Keeps Iran Plan Under Wraps

Reports emerged that Khamenei, who spent the entire war in his special bunker, was compiling a list of security officials who could be immediately deployed to fill any gaps at the top level.

And even before last year's hostilities, it was reported that Khamenei had instructed the Assembly of Experts, a body of approximately 88 senior clerics tasked with selecting the Supreme Leader, to be prepared for any eventuality. The New York Times reported that he had chosen "three senior clerics" to replace him if he were assassinated.

For years, speculation has been rife about who might replace him, including his son Mojtaba.

The Supreme Leader wasn't the only one killed on this first day of airstrikes and targeted attacks. Those still in office, or who have been forced into more senior roles, will be aiming to send a message to the world that they are still firmly in charge and that the future will be smooth sailing.

But the end of the Ayatollah's 36-year reign will be a blow to his supporters, especially his allies and comrades in the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), who were tasked with protecting him and the Islamic Revolution at home and abroad.

Software Services

Start your own gaming platform for just $3,000

But the verified videos showing groups of people celebrating news of his death on the streets of Tehran and Karaj.

Deeply suspicious of the West, especially the United States, and an enemy of Israel, Khamenei has ruled with an iron fist, suppressing demands for reform and frequent protests.

Over the past few years, direct military confrontations with Israel and the United States, and growing demands for change from his own people, have seen him face his greatest challenges.

During our time in Tehran earlier this month, Iran felt like a different country. The pain and anger of the security crackdown, the worst in its history, which killed several thousand Iranians, were still fresh.

As Khamenei's tenure abruptly comes to an end, questions will turn to his successor and whether a change at the top could signal a change in the direction of the 47-year-old Islamic Republic.

No matter who emerges, their overriding goal will remain the same: preserving a system that keeps clerics and its powerful security forces in power.

A war that is far from over is already unfolding in unexpected and dangerous ways.


Thank you for reading this content.