Mojtaba Khamenei, the powerful son of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is alive and favoured to emerge as his father’s successor, Iranian sources told Reuters on Wednesday.

Two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Mojtaba, 56, was not in Tehran during the Israeli airstrike that killed his father, wife, another son, and several senior military figures.

The expected funeral for Ali Khamenei, 86, has been postponed as new explosions rocked the Iranian capital. State media reported that plans for a public farewell ceremony at a major mosque in Tehran had been delayed.

Meanwhile, the United States and Israel pressed on with strikes across Iran, with US Central Command head Admiral Brad Cooper describing operations as “ahead of our game plan,” involving 50,000 troops, 200 jets, and two aircraft carriers. Israel reported shooting down an Iranian Yak 130 fighter over Tehran, the first confirmed kill for the F 35 in combat.

Global markets fell sharply as investors reacted to the crisis. Seoul saw a record breaking crash, while European markets later stabilised on hopes of a quick resolution.

Oil prices climbed as Iran’s navy and Revolutionary Guards restricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, halting shipments of oil and liquefied natural gas.

Other potential successors include Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder, but sources said Mojtaba remains the clear favourite. Analysts say his ascension would signal continued dominance by hardliners in Iran’s leadership.

Despite rising tensions, some Iranians expressed defiance, while others feared protesting under ongoing strikes. “We have nowhere to go to protect ourselves from strikes, how can we protest?” said Farah, 45, in Tehran.

Israel warned it would target whoever is chosen as the next Supreme Leader. Defence Minister Israel Katz said, “It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides.”

As Tehran continues military strikes and the US Israel campaign intensifies across Iran, Lebanon, and Gulf states hosting American forces, analysts warn that the crisis could have far reaching political and economic consequences globally. (AriseNews TV, excluding headline)

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