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A day after the U.S. presidential election results were confirmed, with analysts around the world assessing the potential shifts in Washington’s approach, the Iranian regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei made a rare public appearance. Despite clear signals of unease within Iran’s leadership, Khamenei chose silence on the U.S. election outcome. Instead, he redirected his focus to internal matters, meeting with the Assembly of Experts to discuss succession plans and doubling down on his agenda to maintain Iran’s proxy influence across the region, sending a message that his policies would persist undeterred by the developments abroad.
Khamenei, whose every public word and appearance is often carefully crafted for both domestic and international audiences, concentrated his speech on Iran’s leadership succession. “The Assembly of Experts, as defined in our Constitution, is one of the most revolutionary institutions of the Islamic Republic,” he said. “Its significance lies in its unique responsibility to select the nation’s leader. This readiness to fulfill that role must always be maintained.”
As discussions within Iran intensify regarding succession scenarios, Khamenei warned the Assembly of Experts against what he called “regression.” He underscored the role of leadership in preventing ideological “deviation.” “The leadership’s place within the Islamic system is crucial in preserving the revolution’s objectives,” Khamenei stated, adding that “the issue of regression is no small matter… Leadership must guard against this, and the Assembly of Experts is charged with identifying a person capable of fulfilling this mission.”
#Khamenei’s Post-Strike Address Exposes Fears of Regional Setbacks and Regime Insecurityhttps://t.co/CNStufiQYC
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) October 28, 2024
He further underscored the need for succession planning, stating, “The presence of the Assembly of Experts ensures that the Islamic system’s momentum never halts. If the current leader were not present, the Assembly would immediately appoint a successor, meaning this chain of continuity remains unbroken.”
Khamenei outlined his preferred criteria for future leaders, advising that, “One of the most essential conditions is an unwavering commitment to the revolution’s path and goals. This individual must be ready for constant, tireless work.” His advice came as he addressed members he has personally vetted and reshaped over recent years.
In an implicit acknowledgment of rising opposition across the Middle East to Tehran’s proxy forces, Khamenei said, “Some believe Hezbollah has weakened. But they are mistaken. Hezbollah remains strong, bolstered by its fighters, spiritual resolve, and unwavering morale. Although prominent leaders like Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah and Seyyed Hashem Safieddine may no longer be with them, Hezbollah’s structure is intact.”
Internal Power Struggle in #Iran Reveals Cracks in Khamenei’s Regional Strategyhttps://t.co/DSf08rQiHD
— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) October 27, 2024
While Khamenei projected resilience and defiance, Iran’s internal fractures are deepening. Public discontent over his policies is evident as citizens across the nation express frustration over escalating economic crises, severe inflation, and political repression.
Dissent within the regime itself is also becoming increasingly apparent. In a rare critique, Hossein Rahimian Moaddab, a prominent religious leader and Secretary of the Supreme Council of Islamic Seminaries, recently lamented, “Imam Khomeini [the clerical regime’s founder] is now being criticized as if today’s societal issues are his responsibility.” Rahimian added, “A lack of identity, concern over the future, and anxiety over job prospects are particularly pronounced among our youth.”
