Mojtaba Khamenei Reportedly Chosen as Iran’s Next Supreme Leader After Father’s Death

(VINnews) – Iran’s Assembly of Experts has selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as the country’s next supreme leader following his father’s reported death in U.S.-Israeli strikes, according to Iran International.

The report said the decision was made under heavy pressure from Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has long been viewed by analysts as a behind-the-scenes figure with influence in political and security circles, though he has not held a formal government post. His elevation would mark a significant and controversial shift in Iran’s leadership structure, consolidating authority within the family of the longtime leader.

The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body tasked under Iran’s constitution with selecting and overseeing the supreme leader, reportedly conducted the vote amid heightened security concerns. According to the report, members did not gather in a single location due to fears of targeted attacks, and ballots were counted at the body’s building in Qom.

There was no immediate official confirmation from Iranian state media.

The reported selection comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region and uncertainty over Iran’s political future following the reported killing of Ali Khamenei.