US developing plan for possible transition if Iran’s supreme leader is overthrown

Alongside official negotiations with Tehran, the United States is developing a transition plan in the event that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is overthrown, The National writes, citing a source close to the White House.

According to the report, US President Donald Trump is considering several options for Iran, each of which carries political risks and geopolitical uncertainty.

The article notes that concessions by Tehran on its nuclear program and other key issues — including the range of ballistic missiles and the government’s treatment of its population — could allow Trump to avoid a military confrontation.

As US and Iranian officials meet today in Oman, a separate meeting between US administration officials and influential members of the Iranian diaspora may take place this weekend in Florida, where Trump is currently located. The report adds that organizing such an event is complex.

It is also noted that Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is closely involved in these efforts.