Assembly of Experts Elects Mojtaba Khamenei Supreme Leader After US‑Israel Strike Kills Ali Khamenei
US-Israel strikes in Iran
On Feb. 28, 2026, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes inside Iran.
“What to know about the latest US-Israeli attacks on Iran What to know about the latest US-Israeli attacks on Iran The war in the Middle East expanded on multiple fronts Monday as attacks from Iran and Iranian-backed militias struck Israel and Arab states as well as U”
The strikes were labelled by the U.S. as Operation Epic Fury and by Israel as Operation Lion’s Roar.
They followed weeks of failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to multiple reports, the strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a large portion of Iran’s top defence leadership.
They struck deep inside Iran, including Tehran and leadership compounds.
Election of Iran's leader
On 4 March, the Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, as Iran's new supreme leader.
Regional and international outlets reported the appointment.
The announcement came amid claims that the IRGC pressured the Assembly and public anger at the selection of Ali Khamenei's son.
Iran succession process
Iran’s short-term succession measures and the formal mechanics of choosing a new supreme leader shaped the immediate transition.
“On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Iran after weeks of military buildup and threats from President Trump”
Authorities put a temporary three-member leadership council in place.
The Assembly of Experts, the clerical body constitutionally tasked with electing the supreme leader from candidates vetted by the Guardian Council, handled the selection amid reports that the Assembly itself was targeted in the strikes.
Reaction to Mojtaba Khamenei elevation
Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation has stirred sharp domestic criticism and protests.
Opponents have denounced the move as a dynastic succession.
Rights groups and analysts have noted his lack of formal public office and alleged ties to the IRGC dating to the Iran–Iraq War.
Some reports say the Assembly’s vote occurred under heavy IRGC pressure and that crowds were chanting against the choice.
Regional escalation and impacts
The leadership change came amid a rapid regional escalation.
“Close the sidebar Home News Weather Sports KOMU 8 Cares Career Connect Close the sidebar Strikes have continued to hit Tehran”
That escalation has seen Iran and Iran-aligned groups strike U.S. bases, embassies and regional infrastructure, while Israel struck targets in Lebanon and elsewhere.
The fighting has caused hundreds of deaths, damage to oil and shipping, embassy closures, and urgent humanitarian needs for civilians in Gaza and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- U.S.-Israeli strike killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28
- Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader on March 4
- U.S.-Israeli strikes expanded the war, prompting Iranian and militia retaliatory attacks regionwide
More on Iran
President Trump Attends Dignified Transfer For Six U.S. Service Members Killed In Iranian Drone Strike
31 sources compared
Iran Apologizes to Neighbors, Halts Strikes Unless They Attack, President Pezeshkian Says
47 sources compared
US Forces Likely Struck Iranian Girls' School, Killing Dozens, US Military Investigators Say
31 sources compared
President Donald Trump Demands Iran's Unconditional Surrender, Rejects Any Deal to End U.S. War
60 sources compared