Iranian officials are considering removing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iran's supreme leader after the country was subjected to air strikes by Israel and the United States, two sources involved in the discussions said.
This is predicted by The Atlantic.
A plot to replace the supreme leader is being planned by a group of businessmen, military and political figures, as well as relatives and senior clerics, the report says.
"Ours is just one idea," the source told "The Atlantic". "Tehran is full of such plots right now. They are also talking to the Europeans about the future of Iran. Everyone knows that Khamenei's days are numbered. Even if he stays in office, he will have no real power."
The Atlantic writes that Iranian officials sensed these sentiments even before the US strikes. However, the sources note that the alleged plots could develop in the opposite direction.
"I think the chances of being able to remove Khamenei in some way have increased. But we are all worried and unsure. "It could be the other way around," the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Iran's Assembly of Experts, which appoints the supreme leader, is due to vote on his removal from office, but the Atlantic noted that holding a vote is unlikely while Tehran is under airstrikes.
Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani is seen by Iranian officials as a key figure, but they stressed that he is not involved in discussions to replace Khamenei.
Some of the sources said they wanted to reach a deal with US President Donald Trump, while others wanted the Islamic Republic to respond to the US airstrikes.
Earlier in the day, before the Atlantic's report, three other Iranian officials told the New York Times: anonymously that Khamenei has banned all electronic communications and speaks to commanders through a "trusted aide", fearing assassination.
"The New York Times", citing officials, said the supreme leader is "alarmed" by the Israeli security echelon and its infiltration into the Islamic Republic.