A New York Times report disclosed the medical condition of Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has served as supreme leader since 1989.

 

The report said he is seriously ill, with Mojtaba Kahemenei, his second oldest son, likely to succeed him when he dies.

 

Khamenei’s –reported– serious medical condition has created a “quiet battle” over his succession, adding that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would take part in the decision making process.

 

Ayatollah Khamenei served as Supreme leader since 1989, succeeding Ruhollah Khomeini.

 

Mojtaba, Khamenei’s second oldest son, is Shia cleric who holds a significant yet low-profile figure in Iran's political landscape.

 

He played a role in both the IRGC’s operations and in shaping domestic political alliances, particularly among hardline factions of Iran.

 

Although Mujtaba has not held a formal government office, his connections and influence within Iran's clerical and military elite have made him a strong candidate in discussion around Khamenei’s successor.