Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in a joint United States–Israeli strike on February 28.
According to Iranian state media, the decision was made by the country’s powerful Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for appointing and supervising the supreme leader. The council announced that Mojtaba Khamenei would succeed his father as the Islamic Republic’s highest authority amid an escalating regional conflict.
The elder Khamenei, who had ruled Iran since 1989, was reportedly killed during large-scale airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel targeting key Iranian military and political facilities. Iranian officials condemned the attack and declared a national mourning period following his death.
State media said Mojtaba Khamenei, a mid-ranking cleric believed to have close ties with Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, had long been considered a potential successor within parts of the political and security establishment.
His appointment marks a significant moment in Iran’s political history, as it is the first time leadership of the Islamic Republic has passed from father to son since the 1979 revolution. Analysts say the move may strengthen the influence of conservative factions and the Revolutionary Guards during a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Iranian officials have urged national unity following the leadership transition, while the development is expected to draw close scrutiny from the international community as the regional conflict continues.
