Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in what marks the country’s most dramatic leadership transition in decades.
State media reports cited by Al Jazeera said the decision was announced on Sunday by the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body constitutionally empowered to choose Iran’s supreme leader.
In a statement, the Assembly said Mojtaba emerged after a “decisive vote” and urged citizens, especially elites in seminaries and universities, to rally behind the new leadership in the interest of national unity.
Mojtaba’s appointment comes only days after Ali Khamenei, who had ruled since 1989, was reportedly killed on February 28 during a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on leadership targets in Tehran.
His death immediately triggered intense speculation over succession, with Mojtaba widely seen as a leading contender despite concerns in some political and religious circles over hereditary succession.
Though a mid-ranking cleric, Mojtaba is believed to wield significant influence behind the scenes and maintain close ties with the Revolutionary Guard.
His emergence now places him at the centre of Iran’s political, military and religious authority at a moment of extraordinary regional tension.
