Mojtaba Khamenei is alive… and is likely to succeed his father

Two Iranian sources told Reuters on Wednesday that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, survived the American and Israeli air strikes that killed his father, and is likely to succeed his father.

The two Iranian sources, who requested to remain anonymous, said that Mojtaba (56 years old) was not in Tehran during the raids that also killed the guide’s wife, another son of his, and a number of senior military figures and leaders.

Iran stated that the Assembly of Experts charged with choosing the new supreme leader will announce its decision soon, which is only the second time it has announced a similar decision since 1979.

Ahmed Khatami, a member of the council, told state television, “The guide will be determined as soon as possible, and we are about to reach a decision even though the situation in the country is one of war.” He added that the candidates had already been identified, but did not reveal their names.

Israel said it would pursue anyone selected.