Iran Names Mojtaba Khamenei Supreme Leader After Israeli Strike Killed Ali Khamenei

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

“Headline: Mojtaba Khamenei chosen as Iran’s new supreme leader amid sanctions, protests and concerns about IRGC influence”

7NEWS Australia

Multiple outlets report that the appointment followed the February 28, 2026 strike that killed or reportedly killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

7NEWS Australia

Associated Press said Mojtaba 'has been named his father's successor after an Israeli airstrike killed the elder Khamenei'.

DW said he 'has been named supreme leader… after his father was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike on Feb. 28'.

Daily Jang reported the appointment followed 'the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, 2026 in a US‑Israeli strike on Tehran'.

The outlets differ on responsibility for the strike, with AP and DW attributing it to Israel while Daily Jang described it as a US‑Israeli strike.

Mojtaba is portrayed across outlets as a relatively private but powerful figure with deep ties to Iran’s security apparatus and a background in the Iran–Iraq war, rather than a career elected official.

The Associated Press describes him as a "relatively secretive, behind-the-scenes figure" long considered a potential successor and previously called "the 'power behind the robes'".

Associated Press News

Daily Jang reports he "studied theology in Qom" and "is said to have taken part in the final stages of the Iran–Iraq war".

DW says he "joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1987 and served as a teen in the Iran–Iraq war" while noting his low public profile.

7NEWS Australia adds that he is a "former IRGC member and long-time operative inside his father’s office" with prior U.S. sanctions for ties to the Quds Force.

Reports show formal ratification by the 88-member Assembly of Experts.

“South Korean media said at least two U”

CGTN

Some outlets questioned the speed and legitimacy of the process.

PressTV said the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body, announced the selection more than a week after Imam Khamenei's death and elected Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.

Firstpost reported that the Assembly unanimously named Mojtaba Khamenei.

The Financial Times cautioned that rapid live reporting requires verification and said such claims should be treated as unconfirmed until corroborated by multiple reputable sources.

Associated Press recorded visible tension among Iranian officials as the 88-seat Assembly of Experts prepared to choose a new supreme leader, indicating contested internal dynamics.

The appointment has sharpened domestic divisions and drawn both official endorsements and street protests.

Critics warn of hereditary-style succession and IRGC consolidation.

CNN International

7NEWS Australia reports the choice "has provoked street protests and widespread unpopularity, amid fears of increased IRGC influence."

DW records accusations that he "engineer[ed] political outcomes" and notes state portrayals versus investigative claims about his economic interests.

PressTV quotes President Masoud Pezeshkian praising national unity and describing goals of "sustainable independence, scientific and technological progress, and comprehensive development."

Other sources underline opposition and skepticism over legitimacy.

Associated Press and The Philadelphia Inquirer record concerns that critics see the move as risking "hereditary, theocratic-style succession."

Outlets report Mojtaba’s new authority over Iran’s war strategy, the IRGC, and nuclear materials.

“Mojtaba Khamenei is a 56-year-old cleric and the second son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei”

Daily Jang

Associated Press states he 'now gains central authority over Iran’s war strategy and the powerful Revolutionary Guard, and also has control over the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.'

Daily Jang

DW records hostile international reactions, quoting former U.S. president Donald Trump calling the choice 'unacceptable' and 'a lightweight,' and noting Israel warned the successor 'could be targeted for elimination.'

Firstpost links the leadership change to ongoing hostilities and reports that Iranian strikes and wider attacks 'have pushed oil above $100 a barrel.'

Regional reporting and live updates document continuing casualties and cross-border strikes that form the immediate backdrop to the succession.