Ayatollah Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba becomes Iran’s new Supreme Leader

According to Iran International, the son of late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been selected the new Supreme Leader of the country by Assembly of Experts.

It was alleged that the assembly was under the pressure of the Islamic Republic Guard Corps (IRGC) in making the father-to-son succession.

“The Assembly of Experts elected Ali Khamenei’s son Mojtaba as the next Supreme Leader,” Iran International reported, citing informed sources.

According to the outlet, Mojtaba, 56, has been chosen to assume control of the country.

Mojtaba is the second-eldest son of Ali Khamenei and has long been seen by observers as a potential successor.

His reported selection comes just days after his father was killed in a wave of joint US-Israeli strikes, which have since triggered an all-out armed conflict in the Middle East.

The Islamic Republic has long criticised hereditary rule and portrayed itself as a more just alternative to monarchy. A father-to-son transition would raise questions about that principle.

His role includes serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the powerful Revolutionary Guard — a paramilitary force designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2019.

During Ali Khamenei’s rule, the Guard expanded its influence across Iran’s political, military and economic spheres.