Iranian dictator Ali Khamenei remains cancer-stricken, and his fragile health has made diplomats concerned about implementation issues should world powers and Iran strike a nuclear deal in the coming weeks.
As Breitbart News has reported for some time, the Iranian despot, believed to be in his late 70s, remains in questionable health, with rumors that he suffers from multiple ailments, including prostate cancer. Rumors abound that behind the scenes a fierce battle is occurring related to Khamenei’s succession as Supreme Leader.
The Telegraph reports that Iranian media is suggesting Khamenei now suffers from terminal cancer and that he may only have a few months to live. The P5+1 world powers (United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia, France, Germany) and Iran have until a self-imposed June 30 deadline to reach a deal with the Persian autocrat, who has ultimate authority and must sign off on any deal reached by negotiators for it to be considered legally binding.
Khamenei is only the second Supreme Leader to rule Iran since the country underwent an Islamic Revolution in 1979, which saw the overthrow of the Shah and the installation of a brutal, Sharia law-based Shiite theocracy.
“With so many people jockeying for position, the hardliners will be tempted to prove their revolutionary credentials by vetoing any deal with the US,” a senior Western diplomat told The Telegraph.
If Khamenei is to ultimately pass, the Islamic Assembly of Experts (which has been appointed by Khamenei) will choose his successor.
Sadeq Larijani, a hardline cleric whose track record proves to be just as barbaric as the Ayatollah’s, is said to be the frontrunner for the vaunted Supreme Leader slot, should Khamenei’s cancer get the best of him.
Iran’s Islamic Republic remains a governmental system where the Supreme Leader rules with unchecked authority. Should Iran obtain a nuclear weapon, the decision to use that weapon falls solely in the hands of whoever is seated at the dictatorial post.