Khamenei [EPA Yonhap News]

It is understood that Iran is strongly considering the option of selecting its deceased Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei's successor as his second son, Mojtaba Khamenei.

The U.S. daily New York Times (NYT) reported on the 3rd (local time), citing Iranian officials and others, that the Assembly of Experts, a constitutional body that selects the Supreme Leader, held a meeting on this day and deliberated on this plan.

According to sources, the Assembly of Experts is considering the option of officially announcing Mojtaba as successor on the morning of the 4th.

However, it is reported that some are concerned that if officially announced as successor, he could become a target for the United States and Israel.

Meanwhile, Iran International, an anti-government media outlet based in the UK, reported that Mojtaba had been elected as the next leader.