Iran’s Assembly of Experts has reportedly selected Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, according to multiple informed sources.
The announcement comes amid ongoing conflict following the death of Ali Khamenei during joint U.S.–Israeli airstrikes at the end of February, which created a sudden leadership vacuum at the heart of the Islamic Republic.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who is 55 years old and has historically wielded influence behind the scenes within Iran’s security and political establishments, was reportedly chosen by the clerical body under pressure from powerful elements of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Unlike previous succession deliberations in Iran, which typically involve extended consultation among senior clerics and political figures, his elevation marks an exceptionally rapid transfer of authority amid a period of regional turmoil.
Analysts say this development reflects the clout of hardline security factions in shaping the future direction of the state.
Mojtaba has never held a formal government office, but he is widely believed to have developed deep ties with the IRGC and other elements of Iran’s political and religious establishment over decades.
Prior to this reported selection, he had long been viewed as a potential successor, though his path to leadership was historically considered controversial because hereditary succession runs counter to the spirit of the Islamic Republic’s revolutionary principles.
The decision has yet to be formally confirmed by official state media, and competing reports note that the Assembly of Experts has at times met virtually due to damage inflicted on clerical facilities by Israeli strikes on Qom, a major religious center, during succession deliberations.
Observers say the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei could have profound implications for both Iran’s internal politics and its external posture.
His close alignment with conservative and security forces suggests continuity with the late leader’s policies, which may harden Iran’s stance in the ongoing conflict and complicate diplomatic efforts in the region.
International reactions have been mixed, with some governments and analysts expressing concern about a leadership transition occurring under wartime conditions.
The unfolding situation continues to influence regional stability and global markets as nations assess the broader geopolitical impact.