Iran02 March, 20261 min read
Assembly of Experts Elects Mojtaba Khamenei Supreme Leader After US‑Israel Strike Kills Ali Khamenei
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
14 outlets told this the same way.
US-Israel strikes in Iran
On Feb. 28, 2026, the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes inside Iran.
“On Feb. 28, 2026 the United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iran — the US calling its campaign Operation Epic Fury and Israel Operation Lion’s Roar — after weeks of failed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.”
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. 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.
“Iran has activated succession arrangements: a temporary three‑member leadership council is in place while the Assembly of Experts prepares to choose the next Supreme Leader.”
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. 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.
“Iran’s wide retaliation: Tehran has been striking U.S. bases and embassies across the Middle East and attacking oil infrastructure and tourist targets (airports, hotels).”