Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new supreme leader

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Iran’s Assembly of Experts appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader
Decision follows the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during US Israeli strikes
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards pledge loyalty to the new leader

Iran’s powerful clerical body, the Assembly of Experts, has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader of Iran, according to state media reports on Sunday.

The appointment comes after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during strikes carried out by the United States and Israel amid the escalating regional conflict.

The Assembly of Experts said it moved quickly to appoint a successor, declaring it “did not hesitate for a minute” despite what it described as aggression from Washington and Israel.

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Mojtaba Khamenei new supreme leader Iran decision

The clerical body said the appointment was made through a decisive vote by its members.

“Mojtaba Khamenei is appointed and introduced as the third leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the Assembly of Experts said in a statement.

At 56, Mojtaba Khamenei has long been viewed as a potential successor due to his strong influence within Iran’s political and religious establishment.

Although Iran’s ruling ideology rejects hereditary succession in principle, analysts say his connections within the security apparatus and clerical circles strengthened his position.

ALSO READ| Khamenei killed in US Israel strike, Iran threatens massive offensive

Revolutionary Guards pledge allegiance

Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps quickly pledged loyalty to the new leader.

In a statement, the Guards declared they were ready for “complete obedience and self sacrifice” in carrying out the commands of Mojtaba Khamenei.

The support of the Revolutionary Guards is considered crucial for maintaining political stability in Iran during periods of leadership transition.

Leadership change comes amid escalating war

The appointment arrives during a volatile moment in the Middle East, with the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States intensifying.

U.S. President Donald Trump had earlier dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei as a “lightweight” and suggested Washington should influence the selection of Iran’s next leader.

Iran rejected the suggestion, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that the leadership decision is solely an internal matter for Tehran.

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Personal losses during the strikes

Iranian authorities also reported that Mojtaba Khamenei’s wife, Zahra Haddad Adel, died in the same strikes that killed his father.

Her father, Gholam Ali Haddad Adel, is a prominent figure within Iran’s political establishment.

The deaths have further intensified tensions between Tehran and its adversaries.

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei marks a critical turning point for Iran’s political system. As the country confronts war, economic pressure, and international scrutiny, the new supreme leader will shape Tehran’s strategy in both domestic governance and the escalating regional conflict.

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