Iran Names Khameneis Son as New Supreme Leader Following Fathers Death

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Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader. The 56-year-old was chosen by clerics on Sunday, following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint strikes with the United States and Israel. Khamenei will now lead Iran through its most significant crisis in its 47-year history.

Key leaders, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the armed forces, have pledged their support to the new leader. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has welcomed the choice, stating that following the new supreme leader is a “religious and national duty”.

Khamenei has never held public office or been subject to a vote, but has been a highly influential figure in the inner circle of his father’s leadership for decades. He has cultivated deep ties with the IRGC and was previously seen as a potential successor.

The Assembly of Experts stated that Khameni’s selection is based on the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s advice to choose a leader who would be “hated by the enemy” rather than praised by it. The body also cited the late leader’s guidance in selecting a new supreme leader.

US President Donald Trump has expressed opposition to Khamenei’s appointment, stating that he would not last long without Washington’s approval. Israel’s military had previously warned any successor that they would be targeted.

The Assembly of Experts consists of 88 members who were tasked with choosing the next supreme leader. They stated that their decision was made without hesitation and in accordance with the path set by Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei studied under conservative clerics in Qom, a center for Shia theological learning, and holds a certain level of influence within Iran’s establishment. His appointment is likely to have significant implications for Iran’s government and its relations with the international community.

Source: Al Jazeera