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of Succession: Khamenei's Future and the Fate of the Regime

Mahmoud Hakimian*
The notable international political and media attention surrounding the meeting Khamenei held on November 7, 2023, to discuss the selection of the next Supreme Leader of the regime, was striking in contrast to the attention given to other important and sensitive issues related to Iran. This interest stands out, particularly because political analyses have addressed this subject from various angles, as the position of the Supreme Leader is the foundation upon which the entire regime is built.
The political and media focus on this topic arises from the fact that the Iranian regime is facing a highly sensitive phase, struggling with extremely poor conditions, especially as its role in the region is witnessing an extraordinary decline. The Iranian regime has made its influence in the region a spearhead and a fireball, threatening not only the countries in the region but also international interests in the Middle East. Furthermore, Khamenei himself has not been able to play a role and exert influence like his predecessor, Khomeini, who was known for his charisma. The individuals proposed as his successors, particularly Khamenei's son Mojtaba, lack the ability and capability to lead the regime better than Khamenei.
What stood out the most in the previously mentioned meeting was Khamenei’s emphasis that "the utmost precision must be exercised in defining the qualities stipulated in the Constitution for leadership; the leader must be someone with a firm belief in the path of the revolution and its goals, and a readiness to continue on this path tirelessly, and deserving of this responsibility." However, this statement does not align with what is outlined in Article 109 of the Iranian Constitution regarding the necessary qualities for the Supreme Leader, which are as follows:
1. The necessary scientific competence for issuing fatwas in various areas of jurisprudence.
2. Justice and piety required to lead the Islamic nation.
3. Accurate political and social vision, management, courage, and sufficient capacity for leadership.
If we examine the qualities specified in the Constitution closely, there is no connection between Khamenei's words and these qualifications, as Khamenei emphasized a firm hearted belief in the goals of the revolution and the unyielding continuation of its path. This indicates that Khamenei believes the crucial criterion is the continuation of his political line and approach.
This means that Khamenei is fully aware that if matters proceed according to what is stated in the Constitution, the future of the regime will be at risk; therefore, he stressed his approach to ensure the regime's future. However, amid the increasingly complex and crisis-ridden situation in Iran, particularly with Trump’s return to the White House, Khamenei’s departure and whoever succeeds him will find themselves in a difficult position, facing a heavy legacy alongside a turbulent present and an uncertain future.
When comparing Khamenei to Khomeini, the difference between them is significant. Even when comparing their eras, we find that the position of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist during Khomeini's time maintained its prestige and unique status, but during Khamenei's era, the position has lost the prestige and status it once held, especially as slogans chanted during protests have targeted it. Consequently, the individual who will succeed Khamenei will likely be weaker than him and will find themselves increasingly reliant on repressive measures and executions, as without such approaches, they will struggle to control the situation. Therefore, we should expect an increase in the role and influence of the Revolutionary Guards to the extent that the Supreme Leader may ultimately resemble the Abbasid Caliphs in the waning days of the Abbasid caliphate.
Both Khomeini and Khamenei faced the People's Mujahedin Organization and attempted in various ways to eradicate it completely, but they failed miserably. The organization has always risen anew, like the mythical phoenix, after every bloody confrontation and extraordinary campaigns by the regime. It is certain that Khamenei faced his worst days in dealing with this organization that has become a nightmare for him. The new Supreme Leader will undoubtedly face even worse challenges than Khamenei, particularly as the organization excels at managing confrontations with the regime and may push him into a corner from which there is no escape!
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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