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The shadow of war hangs over Tehran as Iran's Supreme Leader selection moves closer to public announcement following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed Feb. 28 during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.

A senior Iranian cleric revealed Sunday that officials have already chosen a successor, though the name has not yet been formally disclosed. The decision comes at a moment of escalating regional turmoil, with Israeli attacks expanding to Iran’s energy infrastructure overnight and a strike hitting a hotel in central Beirut as the conflict with Hezbollah spreads into Lebanon’s capital.

Behind closed doors, Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the powerful body responsible for appointing the supreme leader, is believed to have reached consensus on the next figure to lead the Islamic Republic.

Mojtaba Khamenei Emerges as Leading Candidate

Assembly of Experts Faces Voting Dispute

Supporters of Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader’s son, say the council has already settled on him as Iran’s next supreme leader.

However, the formal declaration has been delayed due to disagreements about the procedures required for the vote.

Some members argue that the assembly does not need to gather in person to finalize the decision. If that interpretation prevails, the council’s secretariat could simply announce that a consensus has been reached — effectively placing Mojtaba Khamenei at the helm of the Islamic Republic.

“The name of Khamenei will continue,” said Hosseinali Eshkevari, a member of the council tasked with electing the new leader. “The vote has been cast and will be announced soon.”

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, however, hinted that the announcement may not come immediately.

He said any public declaration should occur “at an appropriate time that doesn’t harm the public focus on the sacred defence,” suggesting leaders may delay the news while the country remains at war.

U.S. and Israel Signal Opposition

The potential rise of Mojtaba Khamenei is already stirring geopolitical tensions.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the possibility, calling Mojtaba “unacceptable” and signaling that Washington intends to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome.

Meanwhile, Israel has issued stark warnings, threatening to target not only the next supreme leader but also those responsible for selecting him.

Despite those external pressures, Iran’s political establishment appears divided over whether Mojtaba Khamenei — viewed by some as relatively inexperienced — should assume leadership during a time of national crisis.

Some officials argue that wartime leadership should remain concentrated among military and security figures.

They point to Ali Larijani, the seasoned secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, as a stabilizing force capable of guiding defense operations during the conflict.

Still, Mojtaba Khamenei brings deep familiarity with the inner workings of power. Having served as deputy chief of staff to his father, he has long operated within the supreme leader’s inner circle and is now being presented by allies as a younger continuation of his father’s legacy.

Temporary Leadership Governs Amid Crisis

Until the succession becomes official, Iran is being governed by a temporary three-member leadership council, which includes President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Over the weekend, Pezeshkian attempted to recalibrate Iran’s relationship with Gulf states, issuing an apology for Iranian strikes that had targeted infrastructure in neighboring countries.

He suggested Iran would halt such attacks if Gulf nations prevented their territory from being used as launch points for operations against Iran.

The move followed mediation efforts by Russia, and initial expectations suggested at least two Gulf governments might respond positively.

But Pezeshkian’s diplomatic gesture quickly encountered resistance inside Iran.

Internal critics condemned the approach, and continued Iranian attacks on Gulf targets undermined any immediate diplomatic progress.

Trump also criticized the move on social media, calling it a humiliating surrender — remarks that further weakened Pezeshkian’s position domestically.

Iranian Military Rejects Diplomatic Overture

Iran’s armed forces swiftly contradicted the president’s proposal.

Military leaders insisted that U.S. bases in the Gulf remain legitimate targets, framing the conflict as an existential war of self-defense.

So far, officials say roughly 10,000 civilian buildings inside Iran have been damaged during the conflict.

The army also rejected Pezeshkian’s claim that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been firing missiles without restraint.

In a televised interview, Ali Larijani clarified Tehran’s position toward Gulf neighbors.

“We have told our neighbours and we repeat: if a base is to be provided to the Americans from your soil to attack Iran from there, it is our undisputed right to respond to those bases,” Larijani said.

He added that countries in the region cannot claim friendship with Iran while allowing foreign military bases to launch attacks against it.

Expanding Conflict and Strategic Warnings

Military sources indicate Iran may broaden its strikes against U.S. assets in the Gulf in retaliation for American attacks on Iranian oil refineries and fuel depots.

Meanwhile, Tehran has introduced measures to limit domestic fuel consumption, reducing the maximum daily use of petrol while assuring citizens that supply remains stable.

Iranian officials have also avoided denying reports that Russia is providing intelligence assistance during the conflict.

Western diplomats say Iran’s capacity to launch drone and missile strikes shows little sign of weakening.

They warn that the large buildup of military forces across the region suggests the United States is not preparing for a rapid declaration of victory.

Larijani expressed confidence that Iranian society remains united behind the government.

He dismissed Trump’s suggestion that Iran could fragment into ethnic regions, saying such efforts would be rejected by the Iranian people, including Kurdish communities.

Gulf States Face Mounting Pressure

Although Gulf governments have grown increasingly frustrated with Iran’s attacks — many directed at their own infrastructure — most have stopped short of supporting a military counteroffensive alongside the United States and Israel.

Iran has acknowledged that 60% of its missiles and drones have been aimed at Gulf targets, with the remaining 40% directed toward Israel.

Foreign ministers from the Arab League met Sunday to discuss their options.

One Western diplomat described the mood bluntly: patience among Gulf governments is wearing thin as regional stability and economic confidence suffer.

“The attractiveness of their economies and reputations for stability are being trashed,” the diplomat said.

Broader Regional Stakes

Diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.

Officials in Oman have told neighboring countries that Iran’s nuclear proposal — discussed before the U.S.-Israeli attack halted negotiations — was a serious offer.

But any potential settlement, analysts say, will likely require a broader regional framework, possibly including cooperation between Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The United Arab Emirates has condemned Iran’s strikes as brutal and unprovoked, stating that more than 1,400 ballistic missiles and drones have been directed at its infrastructure.

“These attacks constitute a flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter,” the UAE government said.

A Region Watching Iran's Next Move

As Iran's Supreme Leader selection approaches its final announcement, the decision carries enormous weight not only for Tehran but for the entire Middle East.

Some regional diplomats worry that the broader consequence of the war may be the strengthening of Israel’s strategic position.

Former Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa warned that the conflict could reshape the region’s geopolitical balance.

“The ongoing attack on Iran is not just an Israeli adventure,” Moussa said. “It is a strategic American move aimed at reshaping the Middle East.”

For now, the world waits as Tehran prepares to reveal the next leader who will steer the Islamic Republic through one of the most volatile chapters in its history.