Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Ali Khamenei, is widely expected to succeed his father as Iran's supreme leader, according to sources close to the regime. The appointment, if confirmed, would place a hardliner at the helm of the Islamic republic during one of its most turbulent periods, signalling a continued rejection of accommodation with the West.
The 88-member Assembly of Experts, which selects the supreme leader, is reportedly close to a decision, with Mojtaba Khamenei believed to be the preferred candidate of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). No official announcement has been made, and it may be delayed until after Ali Khamenei's funeral, which was postponed on Wednesday.
Mojtaba Khamenei, born in 1969, studied theology and served in the Iran-Iraq war at age 17. He rose to prominence in the late 1990s, playing a key role in restructuring conservative groups after their electoral defeat. He was also accused of involvement in suppressing the 2009 protests following disputed presidential elections. In 2022, he was granted the title of ayatollah, a prerequisite for the leadership role.
His appointment has drawn criticism from reformists, who decry its hereditary nature. Former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi questioned why the regime did not deny such intentions. The Assembly of Experts has dismissed doubts, stating it will select the most qualified candidate. Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Gideon Saar has warned that Mojtaba Khamenei will be assassinated, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Iran's leadership as 'religious fanatic lunatics'.
