Mojtaba Khamenei Named Iran’s New Supreme Leader After Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s Death

Iran: After the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli attacks, now his son Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as the new Supreme Leader. On February 28, Khamenei was killed in joint attacks by America and Israel, after which the crisis of power in the country deepened. But now the Assembly of Experts has given its verdict and has made Mojtaba the next supreme leader.

Was Mojtaba Khamenei already the frontrunner?

It was being talked about for a long time that Mojtaba is the strongest contender after his father. He has been very influential behind the scenes, his influence in the IRGC and the intelligence system is considered strong. But he never held any big post, nor contested elections, nor sat on any government chair. Nevertheless, people close to his father and insiders in the system pushed him forward.

Will everything remain the same in Iran now?

It will not be easy. In olden times, during the Islamic Revolution of 1979, lakhs of people took to the streets, but now the situation has changed. Common people are very angry due to corruption, inflation, unemployment and strict policies. There is not as much support as before.

Nevertheless, organizations such as the Basij militia and the Revolutionary Guards are still very strong. His people are saying that they are ready to sacrifice their lives for the new leader. But the war is going on, the economy is being destroyed, and the basic facilities are in ruins. In such a situation, fear and anxiety are increasing among the supporters also. If the situation worsens, this loyal group may also break.

What is the reaction of Israel and America?

People like former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren are saying that there will be no major changes in the current system. The new leadership will also continue the old policies – ballistic missiles, support to proxy groups, and a jihadist stance against Israel. Trump and Netanyahu have already made it clear that whichever new leader comes, if he adopts the same path, he will also be targeted.

Overall, Iran is currently in the midst of a war, and it is not easy to take over power. Mojtaba faces many challenges – attacks from outside, discontent from within. It remains to be seen how he handles all this. But for now, the decision has been made – the legacy of the Khamenei family is now in Mojtaba's hands.