Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the reported killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, in U.S.–Israeli strikes on February 28, according to announcements by Iranian state-run media early Monday.
The decision was made by the influential Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body of senior clerics constitutionally mandated to appoint and oversee the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader.
The assembly reportedly convened in an emergency session shortly after the elder Khamenei’s death and voted to elevate Mojtaba Khamenei to the country’s most powerful position.
In a statement carried by state media, the Assembly of Experts revealed the decision was taken to ensure continuity in the country’s leadership.
“After extensive consultations, the Assembly of Experts has selected Hojjatoleslam Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic to safeguard the stability and direction of the nation,” the statement said.
The Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority in Iran’s political system, overseeing the military, judiciary, and major state institutions, while also shaping the country’s domestic and foreign policies.
Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric who has largely remained out of the public spotlight, has long been regarded by some analysts as a potential successor to his father.
Though he has not held a formal government position, he is believed to wield considerable influence within Iran’s political establishment and maintain close ties with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The appointment marks only the second time the Assembly of Experts has selected a supreme leader since the establishment of the Islamic Republic following the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The previous transition occurred in 1989 when Ali Khamenei was chosen to lead the country after the death of the republic’s founding leader, Ruhollah Khomeini.
This decision has drawn swift reaction from the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the appointment and suggested Washington should have a role in determining Iran’s next leader.
“I must be involved in the appointment of Iran’s next leader, The choice of Khamenei’s son is unacceptable.” Trump said
Trump also warned that the United States would continue to monitor developments closely, saying,
“We will not ignore actions that threaten regional stability or the interests of our allies.”
Iranian authorities have yet to formally respond to Trump’s remarks. However, analysts say the killing of Iran’s longtime leader and the swift appointment of his son could further heighten tensions between Tehran, Washington, and Israel.
Regional observers warn that the leadership transition comes at a highly sensitive moment for the Middle East, raising concerns about possible diplomatic and military repercussions in the coming weeks.