WSJ: If Khamenei Were Ousted, Iran Could Become Still More Radical

If the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel led to either the ouster or assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the door could be opened for an even more-radical Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

As part of its ongoing Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s efforts to obtain nuclear weapons, Israel has eliminated several key figures in Iran’s military regime, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (irgc).

These high-profile assassinations and Israel’s continued campaign make the question of a leadership change in Iran relevant. However, several factors suggest that the death or ouster of Khamenei could open the way for a more-radical successor.

• The irgc is the economic and political power enabling the current radical Islamic regime; its loyalty to Khamenei largely secures his leadership. If Khamenei were taken out, the irgc would likely select the next leader, affording it a position of unprecedented power.
• Another concern is that if Khamenei were assassinated, he could be hailed as a martyr. This could motivate his successors to become even more radical about following in his footsteps and avenging him.

These concerns took on even greater relevance on Tuesday when United States President Donald Trump openly discussed eliminating Khamenei.

Call to arms: Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who was exiled after radical Shiite Muslims took control of the country in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, published a video on Tuesday calling on military and security forces to join a national uprising to “reclaim Iran.”

But nothing guarantees that the West-friendly Pahlavi, or anyone with leanings like his, would succeed Khamenei.

Where is this leading? In his article “Is Khamenei Finished?”, Trumpet managing editor Joel Hilliker wrote:

If the 86-year-old Khamenei does lose power, his successor will find a way to finish what he started.

It is unclear exactly how this will play out. Often events take turns very different from what we expect. But biblical prophecy is clear on the outcome. As you view events, however circuitous, remember what Gerald Flurry has been saying about Iran—and watch them come to pass.

For decades, Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry has explained what the Bible prophesies about the future of Iran, Israel and how it will affect the whole world. To understand, read The King of the South.