Consensus Reached on Next Iranian Leader, Assembly of Experts Member Says

Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts, stated that a majority consensus has formed on the next supreme leader. In a video, he noted that some obstacles remain to be resolved in the process. Iranian media reported a minor disagreement within the assembly over whether the final decision requires an in-person meeting.

Mohsen Heydari Al-Kasir, another assembly member, said in a video that an in-person session for the final vote is not feasible under current conditions. He referenced a recommendation from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei that the leader should be 'hated by the enemy' rather than praised by it. Heydari added that 'even the Great Satan (United States)' has mentioned the selected successor's name. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's recent statement that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late leader, would be an unacceptable choice.

The claims come amid a war between Iran, the United States and Israel that entered its second week. Khamenei was reported killed on the first day of the conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran on February 28. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and countries hosting U.S. bases, including last week's strikes on the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia using drones and missiles.

Saudi Arabia warned Iran against further attacks, with four sources telling Reuters that Riyadh supports diplomatic resolution of Iran-U.S. tensions while maintaining regular contacts with Tehran since the war's start. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan conveyed this in a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian apologized to Gulf neighbors for attacks on civilian targets and announced that an interim leadership council has halted strikes on neighbors unless provoked. Some Iranian military commanders, however, maintain that U.S. and Israeli bases remain primary targets.

Trump stated that only Iran's 'unconditional surrender' would lead to a deal, after which the U.S. and allies would aid in rebuilding Iran's economy under acceptable leadership. Pezeshkian noted mediation efforts by some countries. Conflicts have spread, with Israel striking Beirut, displacing hundreds of thousands.