Is Mojtaba Khamenei the Next Supreme Leader of Iran?
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is reportedly poised to seize Iran’s top throne, according to Iran International and Israeli outlet N12 News. In a dramatic move, the Assembly of Experts-allegedly under intense pressure from the formidable IRGC-chose him after his father’s shocking assassination in February 2026 amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions. A mid-ranking cleric with deep IRGC ties, Mojtaba’s potential rise has sparked fierce debate across Iran’s political and clerical elite. The nation watches anxiously: will he stabilize the volatile power vacuum or ignite a new storm? Official confirmation is expected soon.
Why Is Mojtaba Khamenei The Next In Line?
Mojtaba Khamenei has become the main figure in Iran’s succession fight, which started after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in February 2026. Mojtaba Khamenei controls Iran’s security apparatus, enjoying strong support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to widespread reports.
His path to power remains uncertain due to various obstacles. Internal critics of the “father-to-son” succession system view it as a return to the hereditary monarchy that existed during the Shah’s rule before the 1979 Revolution. The Assembly of Experts, responsible for selecting the next Supreme Leader, is currently evaluating alternative candidates, including Ali Larijani, former Parliament Speaker; Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder; and Alireza Arafi.
Some sources indicate that Larijani had been assigned to serve as acting leader or security chief before Ali Khamenei’s death, adding further confusion to the ongoing power struggle in Tehran.
Mojtaba Khamenei Current Leadership Status in Iran
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State of Emergency: Iran declared a state of emergency following Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death.
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Interim Leadership Council: Under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, a temporary council is handling the Supreme Leader’s duties, including:
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President Masoud Pezeshkian
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Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i
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Alireza Arafi (Guardian Council)
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Succession Process: The 88-member Assembly of Experts is tasked with electing the permanent Supreme Leader.
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Pressure from IRGC: Reports suggest the Assembly is operating under significant influence from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to finalize a successor.
(This is was reported by Iranian News Outlet)
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