TEHRAN – Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba Khamenei is increasingly seen as the likely successor to become Iran’s next supreme leader. This potential transition occurs as the Islamic Republic navigates a period of heightened instability following attacks by the United States and Israel, signaling a continuation of hardline policies and a diminished prospect for near-term negotiations.
While no official announcement has been made, reports from Israeli and Western media outlets indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, a hardline cleric, is currently the frontrunner. The selection process is being overseen by the 88-member Assembly of Experts, who are reportedly considering a field of six potential candidates. The timing of an official announcement may be delayed until after the funeral of the late Ayatollah Khamenei, which was postponed on Wednesday.
A Legacy of Influence
Mojtaba Khamenei, born in 1969, has long been considered a contender for the position, with speculation intensifying in recent years. He has spent decades cultivating deep ties within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), positioning himself as a key figure in Iran’s political landscape. His father held absolute power for 36 years, and the appointment of his son would represent a continuation of that established authority.
The late Ayatollah Khamenei’s death, along with that of his mother, wife, and one of his sisters in the same strike, has further accelerated the focus on Mojtaba as the successor. He reportedly survived the intense bombing of Iran, a factor that has solidified his position within the ruling establishment.
Political Background and Allegations
Unlike his father, Mojtaba Khamenei has never held an elected or appointed government position. However, he has been a highly influential figure in the inner circle of the supreme leader for decades. He played a significant role in the aftermath of the 1997 presidential election, where a preferred candidate suffered a landslide defeat, leading to restructuring within conservative Iranian groups. Mojtaba Khamenei was central to this project, solidifying his influence.
He has also faced accusations of involvement in the suppression of protests following the disputed 2009 presidential election. Mostafa Tajzadeh, a senior member of Iran’s reformist parties who was imprisoned after the vote, alleged that his and his wife’s legal case was directly supervised by Mojtaba Khamenei. These allegations highlight the concerns of reformists regarding his potential leadership.
International Reactions and Concerns
The potential appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei has drawn reactions from international figures. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described Iran as being run by “religious fanatic lunatics” on Tuesday, suggesting that Khamenei’s appointment would not alter this perception. Former President Donald Trump has also expressed concern, stating that the worst-case scenario would be a successor “as bad as the previous person.”
Israel has also taken note, with Defense Minister Gideon Saar reportedly warning that Mojtaba Khamenei will be assassinated. On Tuesday, Israel struck a building in Qom, a significant center of Shia Islam, where the Assembly of Experts was scheduled to meet, though the building was reportedly empty, according to IRGC-affiliated media.
Allies and Opposition
Mojtaba Khamenei’s closest political allies include Ahmad Vahidi, the newly appointed IRGC commander; Hossein Taeb, a former head of the IRGC’s intelligence organization; and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the current speaker of the parliament. His rumored appointment has been met with resistance from reformists, who view the potential for a hereditary succession as problematic. Mir Hossein Mousavi, a former prime minister, questioned the ongoing rumors in 2022, asking why the intention to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei wasn’t explicitly denied if it wasn’t true.
In 2022, Mojtaba Khamenei was granted the title of ayatollah, a necessary step for his potential promotion. He had become a regular presence alongside his father at political meetings and played an influential role in the Islamic Republic’s Broadcasting Corporation, often criticized for its pro-government propaganda.
The Assembly of Experts has responded to concerns about a predetermined outcome by stating it will select only “the most qualified and the most suitable” candidate. Ayatollah Seyed Khatani, a member of the Assembly of Experts, indicated the body was close to making a decision.
The selection of a new supreme leader will undoubtedly shape Iran’s future trajectory, particularly as the country continues to grapple with the fallout from recent attacks and navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. The coming days will be critical as the Assembly of Experts finalizes its decision and the world watches to see who will lead Iran through this turbulent period.
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