Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader, according to state media reports on Sunday.
Mojtaba, a relatively low-profile Shia cleric born in 1969 in Mashhad, has long maintained close ties to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and played an influential behind-the-scenes role in his father’s office. This marks the first time power has passed from father to son in the Islamic Republic since its founding in 1979, potentially consolidating hardline control as the nation faces intense external pressures.
The appointment comes as Iran grapples with the aftermath of devastating military strikes that claimed the life of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. With strong connections to the IRGC and security apparatus, Mojtaba Khamenei is expected to maintain a firm stance on key issues, including the nuclear program and support for regional proxies.
FAQ 🇮🇷 Who is Iran’s new Supreme Leader? Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with IRGC ties, has been appointed by the Assembly of Experts. What happened to the previous Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei? Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes last week, leading to his son’s succession. How was Mojtaba Khamenei selected? Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the clerical body for choosing leaders, named him amid calls for national unity. What does this mean for the U.S. and the Middle East? The appointment raises concerns in Washington and Jerusalem, with potential for continued or escalated conflict in the region.
