<2>Succession in Iran: A Delicate Balance
The Islamic Republic of Iran has been a dominant force in the Middle East for decades, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the helm since 1989. However, as Khamenei’s health begins to decline, the question on everyone’s mind is: who will rule Iran after him?
<3>The Current Power Structure
Iran’s unique system of government is based on a dual leadership structure, with the Supreme Leader holding absolute authority over the country’s religious and political institutions. The Supreme Leader is chosen by the Assembly of Experts, a group of 88 clerics who are elected by the Iranian people.
The current Assembly of Experts is led by Mohammad Reza Ramazani, who has been a key figure in the Iranian government for decades. Ramazani has been a close ally of Khamenei and has played a crucial role in shaping Iran’s foreign policy.
<3>The Succession Process
The process of succession in Iran is not clearly defined, and there are several potential candidates who could emerge as the next Supreme Leader. Some of the key contenders include:
* < href='https://bloomberg.com' target='_blank'>Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf