Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly in a coma ...

Iran is poised for a significant leadership transition amidst escalating tensions with Israel. Reports indicate that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is seriously ill, may soon pass leadership to his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, to ensure a smooth succession. Secret meetings have been held to finalize this transition, raising concerns about potential protests against the undemocratic process.

Speculations about Khamenei’s health have intensified, with some sources claiming he has slipped into a coma. Although there has been no official confirmation, his last public appearance was on November 7, when he addressed the Assembly of Experts of the Leadership. Before that, he met with university students in Tehran on November 2 for Students Day.

According to an Iran International report, the Iranian government secretly selected Khamenei's successor in late September. The 60-member Iranian Assembly of Experts reportedly met on September 26 to decide on the succession, under direct orders from Khamenei. This meeting was held in strict secrecy to prevent potential public unrest.

The succession plan reportedly favors Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei’s son, despite his lack of formal governmental experience. Mojtaba has increasingly taken on pivotal roles in Iranian decision-making, surpassing other key figures like the late President Ebrahim Raisi. The New York Times also reported on October 27 that Khamenei is suffering from a major medical condition and reiterated that Mojtaba is likely to succeed him.

This potential shift in leadership comes at a critical time, with the threat of a wider Middle East conflict looming. Iran's plans for a "strong and complex" attack on Israel have further heightened tensions in the region.

As the situation develops, the world watches closely, aware that any change in Iran's leadership could have significant geopolitical repercussions.