This Is How Iran Is Ruled
The lines of authority in the Islamic republic all stem from the supreme leader. (click on the relevant icons for more information).
https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-leadership-explained-ayatollah-khamenei/33452450.html
Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i: The Security Candidate
Currently serving as head of Iran's judiciary, Mohseni-Eje’i, 68, is a former intelligence minister and a longtime fixture within the Islamic Republic's hardline establishment. He is known for his unwavering loyalty to the regime and his central role in repressing dissent. Backed by the security elite and closely aligned with Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC), his elevation would represent continuity for Iran's conservative trajectory and further entrench the militarization of governance.
Mohsen Araki: The Traditionalist Voice
A senior clerical figure with influence in Iran's theocratic hierarchy and a former advisor to Khamenei on religious affairs, Araki, 69, has been a prominent advocate for Islamic unity and the preservation of revolutionary ideals. His candidacy emphasizes religious legitimacy and theological orthodoxy. If chosen, Araki would likely reinforce the regime's foundational principles and appeal to more traditionalist factions within the clergy.
Hassan Khomeini: The Heir to a Revolutionary Legacy
As the grandson of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran's first supreme leader and the founder of the Islamic Republic, Hassan Khomeini, 52, carries a name steeped in revolutionary symbolism and historical weight. His family legacy gives him unmatched name recognition and emotional resonance across the Iranian political spectrum. Though his reformist views and political independence have made him a controversial figure among hardliners, many see him as a potential unifier—someone who could invoke the ideals of the republic's founding era while steering the country in a more moderate direction.
Mojtaba Khamenei: The Excluded Heir
Long regarded as a behind-the-scenes power broker, Mojtaba Khamenei, 55—son of Khamenei—was once seen as a likely successor due to his influence over the IRGC and control of key financial networks. However, insiders say he has been excluded from consideration. The decision signals Khamenei’s desire to avoid the appearance of hereditary rule, a principle he has publicly opposed.
https://www.newsweek.com/iran-next-supreme-leader-contenders-2089332