Khamenei has made a selection of replacements down his chain of military command in case more of his lieutenants are killed, according to the report. Top Iranian officials are also reportedly quietly making preparations for a wide range of outcomes as the war continues, including the possible entry of the US into the fray. Talks about who would succeed Khamenei as Iran's leader were held confidentially by diplomats from Europe and the United States, speaking theoretically about a scenario where the Islamic Republic would collapse, CBS News learned on Friday.
The diplomats had also discussed whether Iranian nuclear sites could be secured, and the environmental consequences for their allies in the region as a result of attacking nuclear facilities like Fordow. Khamenei has been hiding since Israel's exchange of missiles with Iran broke out one week ago, with US President Donald Trump saying on Tuesday that the US knows exactly where he is. The Iranian leader is also believed to be battling cancer, the report noted, and cited an assessment by US intelligence that concluded Khamenei hasn't resumed his country's nuclear weapons program, which halted operations in 2003. (Ed note: Does this article sound like a man who wants to negotiate?) (Read More)
