Iran Names Son of Late Supreme Leader as New Ruler Amidst Escalating Tensions
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as the Islamic Republic’s new ruler, authorities announced Monday, as attacks widened across the region. The move comes as Iran launched strikes toward Israel, marking the first such actions under the new leadership.
The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, follows the recent death of his father, who was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes. The “Assembly of Experts,” a body of 88 clerics, formally selected Mojtaba to lead the nation.
Israel has already pledged a forceful response to the leadership change, with Defence Minister Israel Katz stating on X that any successor to the previous leader would be a “unequivocal target for elimination.”
The Iranian military and political leaders have pledged allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei, according to reports. He is seen as a hardliner with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who have already sworn “full obedience” and loyalty to the new leader.
Missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel earlier Monday, prompting Israel’s Defence Forces to activate defensive systems. The IDF reported intercepting the incoming threats.
The leadership transition has coincided with continued retaliatory strikes by Iran across Gulf states. Bahrain’s Health Ministry reported 32 civilian injuries, including a two-month-old infant, from a recent drone attack. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has offered apologies to neighboring countries affected by the strikes.
Despite his appointment, Mojtaba Khamenei has not yet made a public appearance or statement. Iranian state media has described him as “janbaz,” meaning “wounded by the enemy,” and reports suggest he was previously injured in an assassination attempt.
U.S. President Donald Trump previously criticized the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, labeling him “a lightweight” and “unacceptable.” Trump stated the new leader “is not going to last long” after Iran defied his demand for input on the selection process.
