Israel-US vs Iran War Live Updates: Mojtaba Khamenei Reportedly Chosen as Iran’s New Supreme Leader After Death of Ali Khamenei
Amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, reports indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been selected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. According to media reports, the decision was taken by the Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics responsible for choosing the country’s top religious and political authority.
The development comes after reports that Ali Khamenei died on February 28 following US-Israeli air strikes on Iran. Due to security concerns amid the ongoing Middle East war escalation, the clerical body reportedly did not hold a traditional session and instead conducted the voting process online.
Sources suggest that Ali Khamenei had previously designated Mojtaba as his successor in 2024 when he was facing health issues, although this decision was never officially confirmed at the time. Reports also claim that the Assembly of Experts had already discussed succession arrangements during a confidential meeting in September 2024.
Like his father, Mojtaba Khamenei is known for his influence within Iran’s religious and political circles. He first drew global attention during the 2009 Iranian protests, when authorities cracked down on demonstrations following the presidential election that saw hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad defeat reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi. Analysts say the leadership change could significantly shape Iran’s response in the ongoing US-Iran-Israel geopolitical crisis.
