Mojtaba, Son Of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Elected Iran's New Supreme Leader: Report

New Delhi: Iran media reported on Tuesday that Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the son of late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been elected as the next Supreme Leader by the country’s Assembly of Experts.

Is Mojtaba chosen as next Supreme Leader?

Mojtaba was chosen as Khamenei's successor by Iran's Assembly of Experts, reports added.

"The Assembly of Experts elected Ali Khamenei’s son Mojtaba as the next Supreme Leader," Iran International reported, citing informed sources.

According to the reports, Mojtaba, who is 56-year-old, has been chosen to assume control of Iran. 

Mojtaba, who is the second-eldest son of Ali Khamenei, has long been seen by observers as a potential successor.

His reported elevation could prove politically sensitive and comes just days after his father was killed in a wave of joint US-Israeli strikes, which have since triggered an all-out armed conflict in the Middle East.

When did Khamenei die?

Khamenei was killed in the joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28 when he was in his 'compound'. 

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the country for 36 years, his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were killed in the strike. 

Later, Khamenei's wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, also died after succumbing to wounds sustained during the strikes.

Where will Khamenei's funeral happen?

According to Iranian media, Khamenei's funeral will be held in the city of Mashhad. It is the second largest city of Iran which is situated in the northeast of the country. The city is sacred to Shia Muslims because it houses the Rauza of Imam Reza – the largest pilgrimage site in Shia Islam, visited by millions of people every year.

Khamenei was also born in Mashhad and his father's grave is also in this city. Family, religion and customs – this place seems best from all three points of view. It is being told that he will be buried near or behind the throne, like his father was buried.

What impact did Khamenei's death have on Iran and the region?

Khamenei held the reins of Iran for 36 years. He was the second supreme leader of the country after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Be it defense, economy or education—his approval was necessary on every major decision. He played a major role in making Iran powerful in the Middle East.

After his death, Iran's retaliatory attacks have intensified. Drones and missiles are being fired on many countries including Bahrain, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia. There have been more than 500 deaths in the entire area and the scope of the war is increasing. Shia communities in Iraq, Lebanon and Pakistan are also shocked and angry.