Israel Threatens "Khamenei's Successors" via Persian-Language Warning

The IDF escalated its psychological warfare on Sunday, March 8, 2026, by issuing a direct warning to the Iranian clerical establishment. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) in Persian, the Israeli military declared that it would pursue anyone appointed as the successor to Ali Khamenei, as well as those involved in the selection process. This threat specifically targets the Assembly of Experts, the 88-member body responsible for choosing the Supreme Leader, signaling that Israel now views the religious head of state as a legitimate military target.

Despite the threats, Iranian media reported significant progress in the succession process. Mohammad Mehdi Mirbaqeri, a prominent member of the Assembly, announced that a majority consensus has been reached on a successor. However, he noted remaining "obstacles," primarily concerning the protocol of the announcement. Disagreements persist over whether to hold a formal, in-person gathering—which poses a massive security risk amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli airstrikes—or to bypass traditional formalities to expedite the transition and project stability to a fractured nation.