Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran’s new Supreme Leader on Monday, succeeding his father, Ali Khamenei. The move signals the continued dominance of hardliners in Iran as the country remains locked in an escalating conflict with the United States and Israel.
Mojtaba Khamenei, a mid-ranking cleric believed to hold considerable influence within Iran’s security establishment and economic networks built under his father’s leadership, had long been viewed as a leading contender for the role.
The decision was made by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader after the death of Ali Khamenei.
Confirming the decision, the assembly issued a statement shortly after midnight Tehran time.
“By a decisive vote, the Assembly of Experts appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the third Leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement said.
Powers Of Iran’s Supreme Leader
The position of Supreme Leader grants Mojtaba Khamenei ultimate authority over state affairs in the Islamic Republic. It includes control of the military, the judiciary and key political institutions.
His appointment is expected to heighten tensions with Washington.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States should have a say in the leadership transition in Iran.
“If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” Trump told ABC News. Israel had also issued warnings before the announcement, indicating that whoever assumed the role could be targeted.
Ali Khamenei, Iran’s longtime Supreme Leader, was killed in one of the first strikes launched against Iran on February 28. The strike, however, came as hostilities erupted between Iran and the US-Israel alliance. The conflict has already caused heavy losses.
According to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, at least 1,332 Iranian civilians have died in the conflict. Thousands more have been injured in the US-Israeli military campaign.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities said Abolqasem Babaian was killed in an airstrike on Saturday. He had recently been appointed head of the military office of the Supreme Leader.
As fighting entered its ninth day, residents in Tehran reported thick black smoke rising after airstrikes targeted oil storage facilities.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei called the assault a dangerous escalation.
“By targeting fuel depots, the aggressors are releasing hazardous materials and toxic substances into the air,” Baghaei further wrote on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strikes and warned that the offensive against Iran would continue.
Also Read: Iran Warns Of Retaliation If US-Israeli Strikes On Energy Facilities Continue
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