Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei picks possible successors amid Israel's assassination threats, son not among them: Report
Jun 21, 2025 05:44 PM IST
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three clerics as possible successors while taking shelter in a bunker amid assassination threats from Israel during the ongoing conflict. A demonstrator holds a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as people gather for a rally in solidarity with Iran after Friday prayers, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon.(REUTERS)
The New York Times, citing three Iranian officials familiar with the development, reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has begun appointing replacements for top military commanders who were killed in Israeli strikes.
Interestingly, contrary to earlier reports, the officials said Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics shortlisted to succeed him – despite previous claims that he was being groomed for the role.
This is a developing story. More details are awaited.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


United News of India
28 minutes ago
- United News of India
Israeli attacks on Iran N sites have caused sharp degradation in Nuclear safety, but no radiological release : IAEA DG
New Delhi, June 21 (UNI) Israeli attacks on nuclear sites in Iran have caused a sharp degradation in nuclear safety and security although they have not so far led to a radiological release affecting the public but there is a danger this could occur, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi has warned. 'Nuclear facilities and material must not be shrouded by the fog of war,' the IAEA DG told the UN Security Council, pointing out that the IAEA has been monitoring closely the situation at Iran's nuclear sites since Israel began its attacks. Referring to the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, he said this is the nuclear site in Iran where the consequences of an attack 'could be most serious". 'It is an operating nuclear power plant and as such it hosts thousands of kilograms of nuclear material. Countries of the region have reached out directly to me to express their concerns and I want to make it absolutely and completely clear : In case of an attack on the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, a direct hit could result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment,' the IAEA DG warned. He said there was an incorrect statement to the media by an Israeli military official that Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant had been attacked. Although the mistake was quickly identified and the statement retracted, the situation underscored the vital need for clear and accurate communication and the Agency's unique role in providing it in a technically accurate and politically impartial way is obvious. Israel said on Friday it had struck Iran's only functioning nuclear power plant on the Gulf coast, potentially a major escalation in its air war against Iran. Similarly a hit that disabled the only two lines supplying electrical power to the plant could cause its reactor's core to melt which could result in high release of radioactivity to the environment. 'In their worst-case, both scenarios would necessitate protective actions such as evacuations and sheltering of the population or the need to take stable iodine, with the reach extending to distances from a few to several hundred kilometers. Radiation monitoring would need to cover distances of several hundred kilometers and food restrictions may need to be implemented.' Initial attacks on June 13 targeted and destroyed electricity infrastructure at the Natanz enrichment site including an electrical sub-station, the main electric power supply building, and emergency power supply and back-up generators. On the same day, the main cascade hall appears to have been attacked using ground-penetrating munitions. Grossi said the level of radioactivity outside the Natanz site has remained unchanged and at normal levels, indicating no external radiological impact on the population or the environment. However, within the Natanz facility there is both radiological and chemical contamination. It is possible that Uranium isotopes contained in Uranium Hexafluoride, Uranyl Fluoride and Hydrogen Fluoride are dispersed inside the facility. The radiation, primarily consisting of alpha particles, poses a significant danger if inhaled or ingested. He said the IAEA is not aware of any damage at Fordow at this time. Fordow is Iran's main enrichment location for enriching uranium to 60 percent. At the Esfahan nuclear site, four buildings were damaged in last Friday's attack : the central chemical laboratory, a uranium conversion plant, the Tehran reactor-fuel manufacturing plant and the enriched uranium metal processing facility which was under construction. No increase of off-site radiation levels was reported. As in Natanz, the main concern is chemical toxicity. The IAEA DG said the Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor under construction in Arak, was hit on June 19. As the reactor was not operational and did not contain any nuclear material, no radiological consequence is expected. The nearby Heavy Water Production Plant is also assessed to have been hit, and similarly no radiological consequence is expected. As stated in the IAEA's update of June 18 at the Tehran Research Center, one building, where advanced centrifuge rotors were manufactured and tested, was hit. At the Karaj workshop, two buildings, where different centrifuge components were manufactured, were destroyed. There was no radiological impact, internally or externally. He said any action against the Tehran Nuclear Research Reactor could also have severe consequences, potentially for large areas of the city of Tehran and its inhabitants. In such a case, protective actions would need to be taken. Grossi said the IAEA would remain present in Iran and inspections there would resume, as required by Iran's safeguards obligations under its NPT Safeguards Agreement as soon as safety and security conditions allow. He said Iran's uranium stockpiles remain under safeguards in accordance with Iran's comprehensive safeguards agreement. More than 400 kg of this stockpile is uranium enriched up to 60 percent U-235. Any special measures by Iran to protect its nuclear materials and equipment must be done in accordance with Iran's safeguards obligations and the Agency. He said the IAEA had consistently underlined that armed attacks on nuclear facilities should never take place and could result in radioactive releases with grave consequences within and beyond the boundaries of the State which has been attacked. Calling for 'maximum restraint', he said military escalation threatens lives and delays indispensable work towards a diplomatic solution for the long-term assurance that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon. A diplomatic solution is within reach if the necessary political will is there. Elements for an agreement have been discussed. 'The IAEA can guarantee, through a watertight inspections system, that nuclear weapons will not be developed in Iran. They can form the basis of a long-standing agreement that brings peace and avoids a nuclear crisis in the Middle East. This opportunity should not be missed. The alternative would be a protracted conflict and a looming threat of nuclear proliferation that, while emanating from the Middle East, would effectively erode the NPT and the non-proliferation regime as a whole.' He said that for the second time in three years, the world is witnessing a dramatic conflict between two UN and IAEA Member States in which nuclear installations are coming under fire and nuclear safety is being compromised. For the IAEA to act, a constructive, professional dialogue is needed. 'The IAEA must receive timely and regular technical information about affected nuclear facilities and their respective sites,' he said, and urged Iranian regulatory authorities to continue a constructive dialogue with the IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre which has been operating 24/7 since the beginning of this conflict. UNI RB RN


Hindustan Times
31 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
American B-2 stealth bombers head to Guam: Will US use GBU-57 on Iran's nuclear sites before Trump's announcement?
The United States has deployed B-2 Spirit stealth bombers from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to a strategic airbase in Guam, according to a Jerusalem Post report. The deployment came amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran. The move has also raised concerns about a potential US involvement in Iran, as President Donald Trump will soon announce his decision regarding the Iran-Israel conflict. Donald Trump would make his decision regarding a possible strike on Iran in two weeks, White House said. The deployment came days after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the US military was ready to carry out any decision President Donald Trump makes regarding Iran. President Trump recently stated that Iran had missed its opportunity to negotiate before Israeli strikes began. He reportedly has issued a two-week deadline to Tehran to reach a deal. Also Read: Israel-Iran conflict: World War III memes go viral as Trump mulls intervention Israel has also stated that it struck 'at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment programme,' Eurasian Times reported. However, it does not have the capability to completely destroy Iran's nuclear program. Israel needs American help to hit Iran's Fordow nuclear plant, the report claimed. The facility is the most heavily fortified nuclear site in Iran and is situated deep inside a mountain. An American-made bunker-busting bomb is the only way the facility can be damaged. The GBU-57, a bomb buster that can break through more than 200 feet of strong concrete is among the capabilities that the B-2 can carry, the Jerusalem Post report added. The 30,000-pound warhead, also named Massive Ordnance Penetrator, can only be deployed on the B-2 bomber. The deployment of the stealth fighters to Guam has ignited concerns about whether the US could strike Fordow. On Friday, the White House said that Trump would make his decision regarding a possible strike on Iran in two weeks. B-2's stealth and strike capabilities The B-2 Spirit, manufactured by Northrop Grumman, can carry both regular and nuclear weapons while staying under the radar, due to its stealthy design. Each B-2 costs about $2.1 billion making it the priciest military plane, the report stated. Only 21 of them were ever built because of budget cuts after the Cold War with one lost in a 2008 crash at Guam. With a flying range of over 6,000 nautical miles non-stop, and the ability to refuel in the air, the B-2 can hit heavily fortified targets like nuclear sites. It can carry up to 40,000 pounds of bombs, including the GBU-57A/B. The bomber can reportedly carry other types of bombs, like JDAMs, JSOWs, and JASSMs, which makes it useful for different kinds of missions. It is a vital part of America's nuclear defense, able to hold up to 16 B83 nuclear bombs. With its tech that helps it dodge radar, low visibility, and a two-person crew, the B-2 is designed for sneaky, safe, and flexible missions, making it a key player in the Pacific. FAQs Q: What caused the B-2 crash in Guam? A: A B-2 bomber crash in Guam in 2008 was caused by moisture in the aircraft's sensors, leading to faulty airspeed readings and a subsequent stall shortly after takeoff. No fatalities occurred. Q: How many B-2 stealth bombers does the US have? A: The United States Air Force currently has 20 B-2 Spirit bombers in its active fleet, with one previously lost in the 2008 Guam crash. Q: Are there B-2 bombers in Guam? A: While not permanently stationed, B-2 bombers are periodically deployed to Guam as part of the US Indo-Pacific Command's bomber rotation. Q: How much is a B-2 stealth bomber worth? A: Each B-2 Spirit costs approximately $2.1 billion, including development, making it the most expensive aircraft ever built.


News18
31 minutes ago
- News18
Iran-Israel Conflict: 400+ Dead, Israel Strikes Isfahan Nuclear Facility, UN Warns Of Refugee Crisis
Israel has launched a second wave of strikes on Iran's Isfahan nuclear facility, targeting two centrifuge production sites overnight, a military official revealed. The Iran-Israel conflict entered its ninth day on Saturday, marked by a rising death toll, continued military strikes, and growing international concern. With over 400 reported dead in Iran, the crisis has prompted warnings from the UN about a looming refugee emergency, even as Tehran calls on countries like India to condemn Israel's actions. Iran Says Over 400 Killed Since Outbreak of War with Israel More than 400 people have been killed in Iran since Israeli airstrikes began last week, according to an updated toll shared by Iran's health ministry on Saturday. 'As of this morning, Israeli attacks have claimed the lives of over 400 defenseless Iranians and left 3,056 others wounded by missiles and drones," said Hossein Kermanpour, spokesperson for the health ministry, in a statement posted on X. The toll reflects mounting casualties as the conflict between Iran and Israel intensifies. Israel Says It Killed Three Iranian Commanders The Israeli military announced that it had eliminated a senior Iranian official responsible for military coordination with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, along with two other commanders, in overnight airstrikes. In a statement, the military said its fighter jets struck near the city of Qom, killing Saeed Izadi, the commander of the Palestine Corps of Iran's Quds Force and the key liaison between the Iranian regime and Hamas. The Quds Force operates as the foreign arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During a press briefing on Saturday, a military official further confirmed the deaths of two additional Iranian commanders—Behnam Shahriyari and Aminpour Judaki—also targeted in the same round of strikes. Israel has launched a second wave of strikes on Iran's Isfahan nuclear facility, targeting two centrifuge production sites overnight, a military official revealed. 'Isfahan was among our initial targets during the first 24 hours of operations. We have now conducted a second wave of strikes to deepen the impact and inflict further damage on Iran's centrifuge production," the official said during a media briefing, speaking on condition of anonymity. Israel Targets Military Sites in Southwest Iran The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it had launched strikes on what it described as 'military infrastructure" in southwestern Iran. These strikes mark the ninth day of sustained hostilities following Israel's initial attack on Iranian territory. 'Fighter jets are currently striking military infrastructure in southwestern Iran," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in an official statement. Iran's Supreme Leader Identifies Possible Successors from Secure Location In the face of growing threats to his life amid the ongoing conflict, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly taken refuge in a fortified bunker and named three senior clerics as potential successors. According to a report by The New York Times, citing Iranian officials, Khamenei has also begun selecting replacements for top military commanders killed in Israeli airstrikes. Contrary to earlier reports, officials clarified that Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics under consideration to succeed him. They also stated that Khamenei is fully aware of the threat of assassination from either Israel or the United States, and views the prospect of dying under such circumstances as an act of martyrdom. Iran Urges India To Condemn Israeli Military Actions Iran expects countries like India to publicly denounce Israel's military actions, which it views as violations of international law, a senior Iranian diplomat stated on Friday. Mohammad Javad Hosseini, deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, emphasized this expectation during a media briefing. He also addressed Pakistan's role, urging the country to refrain from actions that could undermine Iran's security. This comment came in response to questions regarding Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's recent meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the White House. Speculation is growing that Washington may seek access to Pakistani military bases should it decide to initiate strikes on Tehran. UN Warns Against New Refugee Crisis Amid Iran-Israel Conflict The United Nations has raised concerns that the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel could lead to a new refugee crisis in the Middle East. In a statement released Saturday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cautioned that once large-scale displacement begins, it is often irreversible in the short term. The agency noted that the intensity of the fighting has already prompted civilian movements in both countries. Early reports indicate that people have begun fleeing from Tehran and other Iranian cities, with some reportedly crossing into neighboring nations. According to Israeli assessments, the repeated air raids have severely disrupted Iran's ability to manufacture centrifuges used in uranium enrichment, dealing a significant blow to the country's nuclear infrastructure. Iran Arrests 22 Over Alleged Israeli Spy Links Authorities in Iran's Qom province have arrested 22 individuals allegedly linked to Israeli intelligence services since June 13, local police announced. Citing the province's police intelligence chief, the Fars news agency reported that those arrested face charges of collaborating with the 'Zionist regime's spy network," spreading disinformation, and supporting Israel. In a related development, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that a European national had also been detained on suspicion of espionage, though details such as the individual's nationality or arrest date were not disclosed. Meanwhile, the Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights stated that at least 223 people have been arrested across the country on charges of collaborating with Israel. The group warned that the actual number of detainees could be considerably higher. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with as Chief Sub-Editor since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 21, 2025, 20:04 IST News world Iran-Israel Conflict: 400+ Dead, Israel Strikes Isfahan Nuclear Facility, UN Warns Of Refugee Crisis