Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new supreme leader after reported killing of Ali Khamenei
Tehran: In a dramatic turn of events following reports that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel operation, Israeli media have claimed that his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been selected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
According to the reports, Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts convened virtually on March 3 and elected the 56-year-old Mojtaba to the top post. The 88-member clerical body is constitutionally empowered to appoint and oversee the Supreme Leader.
Born in 1969, Mojtaba witnessed the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the monarchy of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic. He pursued religious studies in Tehran and Qom and is regarded as a mid-ranking cleric.
Although he does not hold the rank of Ayatollah, Mojtaba has long been considered highly influential within Iran’s power structure. Observers point to Mojtaba’s close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a crucial factor behind his elevation.
He is believed to have maintained strong relationships with senior military and intelligence officials and is said to have played a role in coordinating security and military affairs in recent years.
However, his appointment is not without controversy. Critics argue that Iran’s constitution requires the Supreme Leader to be a recognized senior religious authority with both political and theological credentials. Mojtaba’s clerical rank has raised questions in this regard.
Additionally, concerns over dynastic succession have surfaced. The 1979 revolution was, in part, aimed at ending hereditary rule. The idea of transferring power from father to son has drawn criticism from reformist voices who warn that it contradicts the foundational principles of the Islamic Republic.
Despite reports of his selection, Iran has yet to make a formal public announcement. Sources suggest security concerns played a role in the delay, amid fears of further US or Israeli strikes.
Reports also indicated that a building associated with discussions on succession was targeted in an airstrike, although no casualties were reported there.
It is notable that the Assembly of Experts has appointed a Supreme Leader only twice in Iran’s 47-year history — first in 1989, when Ali Khamenei succeeded Ruhollah Khomeini.
Reacting to the developments, former US President Donald Trump reportedly stated that several potential successors had been eliminated in recent strikes and suggested that any new leader could be “as hardline as the previous one.”
With reports that members of Ali Khamenei’s family were also killed in the strikes, analysts believe Mojtaba may adopt a strongly confrontational stance towards the United States and Israel. The coming days are expected to be critical, as Iran navigates leadership transition amid escalating regional tensions.
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