Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly identified three clerics as potential successors while seeking refuge in a bunker due to threats of assassination from Israel amid the ongoing conflict. The New York Times, citing three Iranian officials, revealed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has initiated the process of appointing replacements for high-ranking military commanders who were killed in Israeli attacks.

Contrary to previous reports, Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics shortlisted to take over his position, as per the officials. Despite earlier speculations that Mojtaba was being groomed for the role, he has been excluded from consideration.

According to The New York Times, Khamenei, aged 86, is mindful of the potential threats of assassination from Israel or the United States, which he views as a form of martyrdom, as per Iranian officials.

In response to these threats, Khamenei has instructed the Assembly of Experts, responsible for selecting Iran's next supreme leader, to expedite the process and choose a successor from the three names he has proposed. Typically, the selection of a new supreme leader is a lengthy process involving extensive deliberations and multiple candidates. However, given the current state of war, Khamenei aims to ensure a swift and controlled transition to protect the Islamic Republic and his legacy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently stated that while Israel's military goal is to eliminate Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, they may take actions to facilitate a change in the government. When asked about targeting Iran's Supreme Leader, Netanyahu emphasized that no one is off-limits.

The second week of the Israel-Iran conflict began with fresh strikes on an Iranian nuclear research facility near Isfahan. Despite talks between European foreign ministers and Iran's top diplomat in Geneva yielding no breakthrough, there is optimism for future negotiations. US President Donald Trump is evaluating military options, while European officials remain hopeful for diplomatic resolutions.