Health concerns: Shortlist prepared for Khamenei’s successor
Ayatollah Khamenei's health has been the subject of speculation for years
Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has been in power since 1989. He is now 83 years old and his health has been the subject of speculation for years.
In 2014, Khamenei underwent prostate surgery. In 2015, he was hospitalized for a week for what was described as a "routine checkup". And in 2016, he was hospitalized again for what was described as a "minor surgery".
There have also been reports that Khamenei has been suffering from cancer. In 2014, the New York Times reported that Khamenei had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. And in 2016, the BBC reported that Khamenei had been diagnosed with lymphatic cancer.
Khamenei's health is a closely guarded secret
The Iranian government has never confirmed or denied any of these reports. Khamenei's health is a closely guarded secret.
However, there is no doubt that Khamenei's health is a major concern for the Iranian government. The Supreme Leader is the most powerful figure in Iran and his death would create a major power vacuum.
The Iranian government has already begun to prepare for Khamenei's succession. In 2016, Khamenei appointed a new head of the Assembly of Experts, the body that will choose his successor.
The Assembly of Experts has now reportedly drawn up a shortlist of potential successors. The list includes several senior clerics, including Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, the head of the judiciary, and Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, the former prosecutor general.
It is not clear when Khamenei will die or who will succeed him. However, the Iranian government is clearly preparing for the possibility of his death.
The implications of Khamenei's death
Khamenei's death would have a major impact on Iran. He is the glue that holds the Iranian regime together.
Without Khamenei, there is a risk that Iran could descend into chaos. There are several factions within the Iranian government that are vying for power. And without Khamenei to keep them in check, these factions could start fighting each other.
Khamenei's death could also have a major impact on the region. Iran is a major player in the Middle East and its stability is essential for the stability of the region.
If Iran descends into chaos, it could create a power vacuum that could be filled by hostile actors, such as ISIS or al-Qaeda.
The international community is watching the situation in Iran closely. The death of Khamenei could have a major impact on the world.
Conclusion
Ayatollah Khamenei's health is a major concern for the Iranian government. The government has already begun to prepare for his succession. However, it is not clear when Khamenei will die or who will succeed him.
Khamenei's death would have a major impact on Iran and the region. It could create a power vacuum that could be filled by hostile actors.
The international community is watching the situation in Iran closely. The death of Khamenei could have a major impact on the world.
