Amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, currently in hiding, has designated three successors in case of his absence, as reported by The New York Times. Additionally, Khamenei has selected replacements for his military chain of command to prepare for potential casualties from Israeli airstrikes.
According to the report, Khamenei has limited his communication to trusted aides and taken refuge in a bunker to avoid detection by suspending electronic communications. This precautionary measure aims to safeguard his leadership amid escalating tensions.
Israel initiated a series of unexpected attacks on June 13, marking the most significant military offensive against Iran since the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s. A recent strike targeted an Iranian nuclear research facility near Isfahan, heightening concerns over the conflict's impact.
Despite failed negotiations in Geneva between European ministers and Iranian officials, there remains a possibility of future dialogue. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed willingness to engage in talks but emphasized the need for Israel to cease its attacks before negotiations can progress.
Reports from Internet-access advocacy group NetBlocks.org indicate a recent collapse in internet connectivity in Tehran following a brief period of restored access. The nationwide internet shutdown, attributed to concerns of Israeli cyberattacks, has isolated Iranian citizens and raised questions about state-controlled information dissemination.
Source: Mint