Iran's Assembly of Experts Names Mojtaba Khamenei Supreme Leader After U.S.-Israeli Strikes Killed His Father

Iran's Assembly of Experts has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new supreme leader.

His father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, died in strikes linked to the widening U.S.-Israeli campaign.

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State media and multiple international outlets reported the clerical body's decision as a "decisive vote," saying Mojtaba will assume the role as Iran's third supreme leader since 1979 amid wartime conditions.

Mojtaba is portrayed across reports as a low-profile, mid-ranking cleric.

He has exercised power largely behind the scenes rather than through formal office.

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He has close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

He long worked inside his father’s office.

He has been the subject of U.S. sanctions and scrutiny for his links to security and economic networks.

The choice has provoked controversy at home and abroad.

“The 88-member Assembly of Experts began a selection process to choose a new leader despite the persistent threat of U”

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It resembles a hereditary, father-to-son transfer of power that many say conflicts with the 1979 revolution's rejection of monarchy.

Some reports say the IRGC pressured the Assembly, and critics tie Mojtaba to past violent crackdowns on dissent.

International reactions were mixed and heightened regional tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticised the selection and said Washington should have a say.

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Israeli officials warned they would continue to target those involved.

Other states gave guarded support or framed the appointment as an internal constitutional matter.

Analysts and reporting emphasise the likely implications: the appointment is read as a continuity victory for hard-liners and the IRGC.

“The British Telegraph regarded Mojtaba’s appointment as a clear message of defiance to Washington and a reflection of the regime’s adherence to confrontation”

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That reading increases the probability of a security-first policy and continued confrontation with the United States and Israel.

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It also points to economic and humanitarian consequences, as markets and casualty reports react to the widening conflict.