Iran has officially named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader after the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Iranian state media announced the decision, saying the powerful Assembly of Experts chose Mojtaba to lead the Islamic Republic.
Assembly of Experts Chooses Iran’s New Leader
The Assembly of Experts is an 88-member group of elected senior clerics. Its job is to appoint and supervise Iran’s Supreme Leader, the highest authority in the country.
After the death of Ali Khamenei, the assembly met and officially selected Mojtaba Khamenei as the new leader.
Leadership Change During Regional Conflict
The change in leadership comes during growing tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Ali Khamenei had ruled Iran since 1989. For decades he was the most powerful person in the country, controlling the military, the courts, and many major political decisions.
His death has created a major turning point in Iran’s leadership.
Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, is the second son of the late leader.
Even though he has never held an official government job, many experts believe he already had strong influence behind the scenes in Iranian politics.
He is known to have close connections with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s most powerful military force, and with its volunteer militia group, the Basij.
However, some observers question whether he has enough religious authority for the role because he is not considered a high-ranking cleric.
Past U.S. Sanctions
In 2019, the United States Department of the Treasury placed sanctions on Mojtaba Khamenei.
U.S. officials accused him of working with commanders from the IRGC’s Quds Force and the Basij militia to push what Washington described as his father’s aggressive regional policies and strict control at home.
International Reaction Begins
The appointment has already attracted global attention.
Donald Trump, president of the United States, said Washington should be involved in choosing Iran’s next leader. He warned that selecting Mojtaba Khamenei would be “unacceptable.”
At the same time, Israeli sources claim Mojtaba Khamenei was targeted in an airstrike last week. Intelligence officials believe he survived but may have been injured.
