'Deeply angered' Khamenei might want revenge against those who plotted to replace him during Iran-Israel war: Report
This handout picture released by the office of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 5, 2025 shows him attending a mourning ceremony in Tehran marking the ninth day of the Islamic month of Muharram in the lead-up to Ashura, a 10-day period commemorating the seventh century killing of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein. (Photo by LEADER OFFICE / AFP) / === RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / HO / KHAMENEI.IR" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ===
Now that he has emerged from the bunker where he hid during the 12-day war with Israel, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his inner circle are now planning to round up and punish those who attempted to sabotage his rule during the war.
Speculations are rife in Persian social media that the sabotage bid made by reformist former president Hassan Rouhani and Hassan Khomeini, grandson of Iran's first supreme leader Ruhollah Khomeini, has deeply angered Khamenei, according to Iran International.
During Khamenei's absence, reports from Iranian sources claimed that Rouhani and Khomeini made a bid to replace the Supreme Leader. The duo joined forces to influence the succession process. They even made a trip to Qom, the city which houses the most influential Shi'ite clerical institution in the country.
Also read: End of Khamenei era? Iran's elite may take over power, strike deal with US to stop Israeli attacks
There were also reports that a group consisting of businessmen, political and military figures, and relatives of high-ranking clerics plotted to take over Iran's rule. The plan was to form a leadership committee which could take the reins of the country and negotiate a deal with the United States to stop the Israeli attacks, and Rouhani was the one set to replace Khamenei in such a context.
However, there were also questions about his legitimacy since he was a white-turbaned cleric, meaning he was not a descendant of the Prophet (a sayyed). Rumours were that in such a context, Rouhani would help groom Khomeini.
But, US President Donald Trump's ceasefire plans doused their hopes. Speculations are that Khamenei will seek revenge against Iran’s moderates and reformists, whom they believe are "perpetrators".
"They believed Israel would carry out the assassinations of officials, creating space for their return," activist Arashk Rajabpour posted on X. "But Trump’s ceasefire left the project unfinished … it’s unlikely that those who pushed this project forward won’t face consequences," he added.
But, many Iranians believe Rouhani is no different from Khamenei as he tried to save the regime and not the people. Another activist, Ashkan Vahdat, posted on X: "With a seemingly moderate face and a reassuring smile, they want to frighten the public with the threat of foreign enemies, to once again manufacture a threat and say, Take refuge in us."
Middle East