Iran has officially named its new supreme leader, succeeding the late Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the February 28 US-Israeli strikes against Iran.
The announcement was made by Iran’s State TV after the 88 members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, who deliberately chose the next leader.
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei who turned out to be the son of the late Supreme Leader hailed for the position.
Born on September 8 1969, Mojtaba, 56, is the second of Ali Khamenei’s six children, who according to reports, kept a low profile.
He briefly served in Iran’s military during the Iran–Iraq War as a teenager.
In the late 1990s, he pursued religious study, eventually becoming a mid-ranking cleric.
However, in recent years, Iranian media outlets have begun referring to him as “Ayatollah,” a high level of religious authority.
International reports suggest despite holding a low profile, Mojtaba built a reputation as an influential power broker inside Iran’s leadership structure.
Mojtaba is known for his close ties to Iran’s powerful security forces, particularly the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Over the years, he has also been linked to the government’s economic networks and media institutions that help shape Iran’s political narrative.
Meanwhile in 2019, the United States sanctioned Mojtaba, accusing him of working closely with senior Revolutionary Guard commanders to advance his father’s hardline ambitions.
He is now the third Supreme Leader of Iran.
He now has the highest authority in Iran’s political system, with final control over the government, military, and major national policies.
Observers say Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership signals continuity rather than major change.
Iran’s military and political leaders have already pledged loyalty to the new supreme leader as tensions in the Middle East continue.