Mojtaba Khamenei has been named as the new Supreme Leader of Iran, following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint United States-Israeli military operation, according to an announcement made Sunday by the Assembly of Experts.
The appointment of the 56-year-aged Khamenei comes as Iran launched a new barrage of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and other locations across the Middle East, escalating a conflict that began with his father’s death. Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran, stated the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei “heralded a new era of dignity and strength” for the nation, characterizing the decision as a demonstration of national unity against external adversaries.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led Iran for 37 years after succeeding Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, was killed in the strike on March 8th, 2026. The attack has plunged the region into a wider war, prompting a surge in global crude oil prices, which have now exceeded $110 a barrel – a four-year high – due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Key political leaders, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have pledged their support for the new Supreme Leader. Araghchi affirmed a commitment to defending Iran’s national interests and advancing the goals of the Islamic Revolution. Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, is currently overseeing Iran’s security strategy in response to the ongoing offensive launched by the US and Israel on February 28th.
Mojtaba Khamenei previously held the position of Deputy Chief of Staff to the Supreme Leader for Political and Security Affairs from August 2008 until his appointment as Supreme Leader. He also served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including a period in the 27th Mohammad Rasulullah Division during the Iran-Iraq War, and later held a de facto command position within the Basij.
The selection of Khamenei’s son as his successor has been met with widespread celebration among supporters of the Iranian regime.
Elsewhere, in Colombia, preliminary results from Senate elections indicate a projected victory for the left-wing coalition led by President Gustavo Petro, though they are not expected to secure a majority. Scientists in the Caribbean have also announced the discovery of previously unknown sea creatures.
