Hours after US President Donald Trump warned that the "worst case" outcome of the current conflict with Iran would be the emergence of another hardline leadership in Tehran, several media reports claimed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, named the new Supreme Leader of Iran. But, these reports are now refuted by the Iranian officials.
No confirmation on Mojtaba Khamenei
Earlier a report published by Iranian International, claimed Mojtaba was elected amid pressure from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as he was not on the list of successors as mentioned by Khamenei before his death. However, here is the truth behind rumours:
The Iranian Government via the Consulate General in Mumbai has rubbished reports that emerged from Israeli media that Mojtaba Khamenei was named as his late father Ayatollah Khamenei's successor. In a post on X, the consulate said, "Reports circulating on media regarding potential candidates for leadership selected by Iran's Assembly of Experts have no official source and are officially denied.
Israeli Media had earlier reported that Ayatollah Khamenei's son Mojtaba has been chosen as the successor to his father and will take over as Supreme leader. Senior Israeli officials told Israeli Media that the Assembly is expected to formally announce Mojtaba Khamenei as successor in the coming hours. However, no independent confirmation came from official Iran state media on the development.
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Born in 1969 in the holy city of Mashhad, Mojtaba grew up during a turbulent political period. His early years coincided with his father’s active involvement in the opposition movement against the Shah, a time that ultimately led to the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Later, Mojtaba Khamenei served in Iran’s armed forces during the Iran-Iraq War.
In 2019, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Mojtaba, alleging that he acted on behalf of the former supreme leader in an official capacity, despite never being formally elected or appointed to a government post other than his role within his father’s office.
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The son of Khamenei, a mid-level Shiite cleric, was earlier considered a potential successor. He has strong ties to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard but has never held office. His selection proved awkward, as the Islamic Republic has long criticised hereditary rule and cast itself as a more just alternative.
The reports also underscore personal tragedy for Mojtaba as his wife was confirmed killed in an earlier strike. Besides, his father, mother, he lost his sister and brother-in-law in the recent airstrike. The transition unfolds as Iran remains deeply embroiled in hostilities with the United States and Israel, making internal stability and leadership continuity a priority for Tehran, even as the role of supreme leader now enters uncharted territory.
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(With inputs from agency)