Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Khamenei is becoming increasingly lonely. According to five people familiar with his decision-making process, Khamenei's main military and security adviser was killed in an Israeli air strike, leaving a major gap in his core circle and increasing the risk of strategic mistakes. One of the sources who regularly attends meetings with Khamenei said that the risk of Iran's misjudgment on defense and internal stability issues is “extremely huge and dangerous.” Mojatab, son of Khamenei, is considered an increasingly important central figure. Some insiders believe Mojatab is a potential successor to his elderly father, as his close ties with the security forces have given him greater influence in Iran's political and security system.

Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader Khamenei is becoming increasingly lonely. According to five people familiar with his decision-making process, Khamenei's main military and security adviser was killed in an Israeli air strike, leaving a major gap in his core circle and increasing the risk of strategic mistakes. One of the sources who regularly attends meetings with Khamenei said that the risk of Iran's misjudgment on defense and internal stability issues is “extremely huge and dangerous.” Mojatab, son of Khamenei, is considered an increasingly important central figure. Some insiders believe Mojatab is a potential successor to his elderly father, as his close ties with the security forces have given him greater influence in Iran's political and security system.