The announcement came nearly a week after Ali Khamenei was killed during strikes amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Mojtaba, a mid-ranking cleric known for his influence within Iran’s security establishment and business networks, had long been considered a leading candidate to succeed his father.
With this appointment, Mojtaba Khamenei becomes the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, holding ultimate authority over political, military, and state matters.
The development comes as tensions in the region continue to escalate. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington would closely watch the leadership transition, while Israel has threatened to target Iran’s leadership during the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the war has led to heavy casualties, with Iran reporting over 1,300 civilian deaths and thousands injured in recent strikes, while Iran’s retaliatory attacks have also caused casualties among U.S. forces.
