Appointment by Assembly of Experts signals hardliners remain in control as conflict with the United States and Israel intensifies
Mojtaba Khamenei has been named the new Supreme Leader of Iran, succeeding his father Ali Khamenei, according to an announcement by the country’s powerful clerical body, the Assembly of Experts.
The decision was announced shortly after midnight in Tehran following a vote by the 88-member assembly, which is responsible for appointing the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader.
“By a decisive vote, the Assembly of Experts appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the third Leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the body said in a statement.
The position gives the supreme leader ultimate authority over Iran’s political system, military and judiciary.
Leadership change amid escalating conflict
The appointment comes about a week after Ali Khamenei was killed during strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, according to Iranian officials.
Mojtaba Khamenei, a mid-ranking cleric, has long been viewed as a powerful figure behind the scenes in Iran. Analysts say he has significant influence within the country’s security forces and the vast economic networks tied to the supreme leader’s office.
His elevation to the top post signals that Iran’s conservative establishment remains firmly in control as tensions with the United States and Israel continue to escalate.
Reaction from Washington
Donald Trump had earlier suggested that Washington should have a say in who succeeds Iran’s top leader.
“If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” Trump said in remarks to media.
Israel had also warned that it could target whoever assumes leadership in Tehran as the conflict deepens.
Casualties reported in ongoing conflict
The fighting between Iran and the US-Israeli coalition has led to mounting casualties on both sides.
The US military said a seventh American service member had died from injuries sustained during Iran’s initial counter-attack last week. The announcement came a day after Trump oversaw the return of the remains of six other American troops.
According to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, at least 1,332 Iranian civilians have been killed and thousands wounded in strikes carried out during the conflict.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, said Tehran was not seeking a ceasefire and would continue to retaliate against what he described as aggressors.
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