India, June 21 -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly named three clerics as possible successors while taking shelter in a bunker amid assassination threats from Israel during the ongoing conflict.

The New York Times, citing three Iranian officials familiar with the development, reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has begun appointing replacements for top military commanders who were killed in Israeli strikes.

Interestingly, contrary to earlier reports, the officials said Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, is not among the clerics shortlisted to succeed him - despite previous claims that he was being groomed for the role.

This is a developing story. More details are awaited.

Published by HT Digital Content Services ...