Official announcements from Iranian government or credible international news agencies

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Reportedly Terminally Ill with Advanced Cancer; Mojtaba Likely Successor

Oct 26, 2024, 09:49 PM

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 85, is reportedly suffering from a terminal illness, including advanced cancer, according to multiple reports including the New York Times. Khamenei, who has led Iran since 1989, is believed to be seriously ill, with his health declining since at least 2019. An internal battle for succession has already begun, with his second oldest son, Mojtaba Khamenei, likely to succeed him. The powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is expected to play a significant role in the succession process. Khamenei's illness and the potential leadership change come at a critical time for Iran, which has been facing increasing internal and external pressures.