Mojtaba Khamenei The Next Supreme Leader Of Iran ? Who Is He ? How Is The Head Picked ? Explained

news18.com · Mar 1, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

Full Article

Last Updated:March 01, 2026, 13:24 ISTMojtaba Khamenei is the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The process of picking Supreme leader, criteria, how Ali Khamenei was picked in a day, explainedRapid ReadRapid ReadSummarized by AI.+Mojtaba Khamenei, son of late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is rumored as Iran’s next leader. The Assembly of Experts urgently selects the Supreme Leader, influenced by clerical and security elites, with the process sometimes completed in a day.Mojtaba, son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (centre), attends the annual Quds in Tehran, Iran, . (AP File)Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack on Iran launched by Israel and the United States, throwing the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and raising the risk of regional instability.Some reports are claiming that Mojtaba Khamenei is being named Iran’s new Supreme Leader.Recommended StoriesIran Faces Succession Crisis: Who Is Likely To Succeed Khamenei After His Death?Iran's supreme leader killed in major attack by US and Israel'Khamenei, One Of The Most Evil People In History, Is Dead': Trump Posts On Truth SocialIran's Khamenei Dead Or Alive? Here's What We Know So Far Amid US-Israel Strikes On TehranIranian state television and the state-run IRNA news agency announced the 86-year-old’s death early Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump had announced his death hours earlier, saying it gave Iranians their “greatest chance" to “take back" their country.The announcements came after a joint U.S. and Israeli aerial bombardment that targeted Iranian military and governmental sites. Trump said the “heavy and pinpoint bombing" was to continue through the week or as long as necessary.ALSO READ | Shah To Khomeini To Khamenei: How Iran’s Islamic Revolution Reshaped Global PoliticsThe strikes opened a stunning new chapter in U.S. intervention in Iran, marking the second time in eight months that the Trump administration has attacked the country during talks over its nuclear program. The killing of Khamenei after decades in power appeared certain to create a significant leadership vacuum given the absence of a known successor and because the supreme leader had final say on all major policies.On Sunday, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard threatened to launch its “most-intense offensive operation" ever targeting Israel and U.S. bases.Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?Mojtaba Khamenei is an Iranian cleric and influential political figure best known as the second-eldest son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Born on September 8, 1969 in Mashhad, Iran, he has long been seen as one of the most powerful members of Iran’s clerical elite outside formal government roles.Mojtaba pursued religious studies at the Qom Seminary and rose within conservative clerical networks, gaining strong ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij militia. He served briefly in the IRGC during the Iran-Iraq War and later became closely involved in Iranian political affairs behind the scenes, often acting as an influential adviser and gatekeeper within the Supreme Leader’s office.Though he has never held an official government position, Mojtaba’s influence stems from his control over key clerical and security networks, his backing of hardline political figures, and his role in internal security decisions — including alleged involvement in the suppression of protests after the disputed 2009 election.Because of this behind-the-scenes power and his status as the Supreme Leader’s son, he has frequently been speculated as a potential successor to the leadership, especially after other leading contenders (like former President Ebrahim Raisi) died or were sidelined. Critics, however, argue he lacks the top clerical rank and broad legitimacy traditionally expected of a Supreme Leader and that dynastic succession would be controversial in Iran’s republican system.In addition to his clerical role, investigations have linked Mojtaba to significant financial networks and assets abroad, illustrating his economic influence beyond Iran’s religious and political spheres.How does Iran pick its Supreme Leader?The Supreme Leader of Iran is chosen through a constitutional process defined by the Islamic Republic’s system.1. Who Has the Authority?An 88-member clerical body. Members are elected by the public every 8 years (candidates are vetted). Their constitutional duty is to appoint, supervise, and if necessary dismiss the Supreme Leader. They alone formally choose the successor.2️. What Happens Immediately After the Leader’s Death?If the Supreme Leader dies or is incapacitated, under Article 111 of Iran’s Constitution, a three-person interim council assumes duties — the President, the head of the judiciary, a senior cleric from the Guardian Council. This is temporary and lasts only until a new Leader is chosen.3. How the Successor Is SelectedThe Assembly of Experts meets urgently. It reviews candidates who must:Be a senior Islamic jurist (marja-level not strictly required anymore).Be politically and religiously qualified.Be capable of leadership under Iran’s Islamic system.Votes internally (majority decision).They can choose:A single Supreme Leader (most likely scenario), orA Leadership Council (rare but constitutionally allowed).4. Behind-the-Scenes Power DynamicsAlthough the Assembly makes the formal decision, in reality the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) plays major informal influence. Senior clerics in Qom religious establishment matter. Political factions (hardliners vs pragmatists) negotiate intensely.Elite consensus often shapes the outcome before the formal vote.5. Possible Types of Successors While no official list exists publicly, analysts often discuss a hardline cleric aligned with the security establishment, a more politically experienced figure, a compromise candidate to maintain stability.6. How long does it take?Constitutionally, as quickly as possible. Practically, it is likely to take days to weeks, not months. Iran prepared succession mechanisms after the 1989 transition from Ruhollah Khomeini to Khamenei, so a prolonged vacuum is unlikely.ALSO READ | Why US President Trump Attacked Iran Killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei: 5 Reasons ExplainedHow was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei picked in 1989? The process was completed in a dayAfter the death of Ruhollah Khomeini on June 3, 1989, Iran’s Assembly of Experts met in an emergency session the next day to choose a new Supreme Leader.The constitution at the time required the leader to be a top-ranking cleric (a marjaʿ), but there was no clear consensus candidate, and Khomeini’s designated successor had already been removed. The Assembly debated whether to appoint a leadership council or a single leader and ultimately voted for one individual.Despite not meeting the highest clerical rank required under the constitution, then-President Ali Khamenei was backed by influential figures, including Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, and was elected Supreme Leader. Shortly afterward, a constitutional referendum removed the marjaʿ requirement, effectively validating his selection. The transition was completed within a day, ensuring political stability at a sensitive moment for the Islamic Republic.With Agency InputsLocation : First Published:March 01, 2026, 12:09 ISTNews explainers Mojtaba Khamenei The Next Supreme Leader Of Iran? Who Is He? How Is The Head Picked? ExplainedDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Loading comments...Read More