Exclusive: Prior to Iran attacks, CIA assessed Khamenei could be replaced by hardline IRGC elements if killed, sources say - Reuters

Reuters
February 28, 2026
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CIA assessed that Iran's Supreme Leader could be replaced by hardliners if killed.

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Prior to recent attacks in Iran, the CIA assessed that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's death could lead to hardline IRGC elements replacing him. This assessment was based on intelligence gathered by the CIA. The evaluation considered the potential for internal power shifts within Iran.

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