Reports claim Mojtaba Khamenei chosen as Iran’s next Supreme Leader

Tehran: Mojtaba Khamenei, son of slain Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been elected the country's next Supreme Leader. Iran's powerful Assembly of Experts has approved Mojtaba's name. Iran International, citing sources, reported this information. The Assembly of Experts made the decision under intense pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Mojtaba's father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was killed on Saturday, the day before the US and Israeli attacks on Tehran.

Iran elects new Supreme Leader after 47 years

However, Iranian state media has not yet confirmed Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as the new Supreme Leader. Iran International reported that Mojtaba's selection came amid intense pressure from Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This demonstrates the IRGC's profound influence within the power structure. This is the second time since the Iranian Revolution that the Assembly of Experts has elected a Supreme Leader. Previously, Mojtaba's father, Ali Khamenei, was elected Supreme Leader 47 years ago in 1989.

Mojtaba was considered a strong contender

Iran International, citing sources, reported that the Assembly of Experts has chosen Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, as the next Supreme Leader. According to the outlet, Mojtaba, 56, will assume the position of Supreme Leader, the highest position in Iran. Mojtaba has long been seen as a potential successor to Ali Khamenei.

What is the Assembly of Experts?

According to a New York Times report, the Assembly of Experts is an 88-member body of clerics. According to Iran's constitution, it has the power to appoint, supervise, and, if necessary, remove the Supreme Leader. According to people familiar with the matter, it held two virtual meetings on Tuesday, one in the morning and the other in the evening.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?

Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a mid-level Shia cleric. He held a key position in Khamenei's inner circle and was widely considered a contender for his father's throne.

Mojtaba Khamenei has strong ties to Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps. This is evident from reports of alleged pressure from the IRGC in his selection.

However, his selection was considered difficult as the Islamic Republic of Iran has long criticized the inheritance of succession within a family.