Mojtaba Khamenei Assumes Power as Iran's New Supreme Leader
Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old cleric, is set to rule Iran with an iron fist following his appointment as the country's new Supreme Leader, succeeding his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in Israeli airstrikes. Backed by the hardline Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mojtaba is viewed as even more extreme and oppressive than his predecessor, with analysts describing him as "vengeful" and likely to seek retribution for his father's death.
A Shadowy Figure with Vast Wealth and Global Assets
Despite his low public profile and lack of official roles until now, Mojtaba Khamenei commands an extraordinary business empire, estimated at $95 billion, inherited from his father. This wealth was amassed through Setad, an organisation that systematically seized thousands of properties from ordinary Iranians under court-ordered monopolies. Mojtaba himself oversees a personal investment portfolio exceeding £100 million, evading Western sanctions through a complex network of shell companies.
His assets include 11 luxury properties on The Bishops Avenue in Hampstead, north London—known as 'Billionaires' Row'—and two apartments near the Israeli embassy in London, complete with servants' quarters. Additionally, he owns a villa in Dubai, several European hotels, and holds bank accounts in the UK, Switzerland, UAE, and Liechtenstein, often registered in tax havens like the Isle of Man.
Political Rise and Controversial Succession
Mojtaba's appointment by Iran's 88-person Assembly of Experts, reportedly under pressure from the IRGC, marks a significant shift. His father had opposed hereditary rule, fearing it would resemble the deposed Shah monarchy, but Mojtaba's close ties with the Revolutionary Guards over the past two decades secured his ascent. He is not a high-ranking cleric and has never held public office, making his sudden rise to power unprecedented.
Israeli authorities have vowed to "eliminate" any successor to Ayatollah Khamenei, with Mojtaba already wounded in the ongoing conflict and his wife killed alongside his father. In response, Iran's military has threatened to strike regional oil sites if Israel targets its energy infrastructure, escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Implications for Iran and International Relations
As Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei will wield final authority over Iran's nuclear programme, domestic policies, and foreign affairs. His vengeful stance could lead to increased repression within Iran or aggressive actions against the US and Israel. Meanwhile, his vast wealth, tied to Setad's holdings in finance, oil, telecommunications, and other sectors, empowers him financially, rivaling the resources of the former Shah.
Crowds in Tehran have already rallied in support, chanting slogans like "God is great, Khamenei is the leader," signaling a turbulent era ahead under his leadership.
