An Airstrike reportedly hit a conference building in Qom for planned succession talks

Iran’s top clerics would be left “exposed” after an Israeli airstrike hit a meeting place on Tuesday – days after a strike targeted Tehran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a defense analyst said.

The clerics, who are members of the Assembly of Experts, were reportedly planning to meet in Qom to discuss succession plans for Khamenei, who was killed in the strikes, according to The Times of Israel.

“This second strike would be another embarrassment to what’s left of the government,” Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies and the Misgav Institute, told Fox News Digital.

“It shows intellectual dominance and superiority because any movement is detected, which means they will feel exposed,” added Michael.

“From now on, the leadership will feel insecure and hunted, all their plans are collapsing one after the other.”

“They can feel completely isolated and understand that the greatest danger may come from home – from the next possible uprising,” he added.

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Brig. General Effie Defrin confirmed that the Israeli Air Force hit a building where senior clerics planned to meet, The Times of Israel reported.

KHAMENEI’S DEATH OPENS AN UNCERTAIN CHAPTER FOR IRAN’S RULER.

A general view of Tehran with smoke seen in the distance after an explosion was reported in the city, on Monday, in Iran. (Contributor/Getty Images)

It is not clear how many of the 88 members were present during the strike, according to an Israeli defense source cited by the team. The second strike by Iran’s leadership comes amid a wider military campaign.

As previously reported by Fox News Digital, the US military attacked more than 1,700 targets in 72 Iran in the first 72 hours of Operation Epic Fury, according to a US Central Command fact sheet.

The operation is aimed at dismantling Iran’s security services and dealing with what officials have described as future threats.

According to the US Central Command, the targets include command and control centers, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Joint Headquarters, the headquarters of the IRGC Aerospace Forces, integrated air defense systems and missile sites.

FIREBRAND ANTI-AMERICAN CLEIC ALIREZA ARAFI SEEN AS OPPOSED TO CALLING KHAMENEI OF IRAN

The USS Thomas Hudner fires a Tomahawk land-attack missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, Sunday, while at sea. (US Navy/via Getty Images)

“We need strategic patience and determination, and in a few weeks a lot of work will be done,” added Michael. “Even if the regime does not fall, Iran will not be as we know it.

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“I think the US and Israel will establish a strong monitoring mechanism that will enable them to react whenever the regime tries to consolidate its military power again.”

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