Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader?
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader?
On March 8, the Iranian Assembly of Experts announced the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s next supreme leader. This decision follows the recent Israeli strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, on February 28. Mojtaba, born September 8, 1969, in Mashhad, is the second son of the late leader. The 88-member council, which oversees the selection of Iran’s highest authority, made the announcement amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel.
Mojtaba is often viewed as a mysterious figure with significant influence in Iran’s political hierarchy. Despite never holding public office, he maintains strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a key power bloc in the nation. Analysts suggest his role in shaping the country’s policies is substantial, though he has largely stayed out of the public eye. The Assembly of Experts urged citizens to support the new leader, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of ongoing conflicts.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” said US outlet Axios, quoting former President Donald Trump. Trump had previously called Mojtaba’s appointment “unacceptable,” arguing it would not endure without Washington’s approval.
Israel’s defense minister warned that Mojtaba would be a “target for elimination” once selected. The 56-year-old Shiite cleric, though enigmatic, is believed to have orchestrated pivotal moments in Iran’s political landscape. Notably, he played a key role in the 2005 presidential elections, which saw Mahmoud Ahmadinejad emerge victorious. This move reportedly weakened former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who chose to remain quiet despite the outcome.
Mehdi Karroubi, another candidate in that election, accused Mojtaba of manipulating the vote to favor Ahmadinejad. Four years later, when Ahmadinejad was reelected, protests erupted nationwide. Some demonstrators, opposing Mojtaba’s succession of his father, chanted “death to Mojtaba” during the unrest. During this period, Mojtaba was linked to efforts to quell the “green movement,” a group advocating for electoral reform.
Reports also highlight Mojtaba’s financial reach. A 2026 Bloomberg investigation revealed his ownership of high-value properties in London and Dubai, as well as stakes in European banking and hospitality sectors. These assets, however, are reportedly managed through complex corporate structures, with many held under intermediaries. State media depict him as living modestly, having studied at Alavi School before entering Qom seminary, where he learned from influential clerics.
His early years were shaped by his father’s rise against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s monarchy. Mojtaba spent seven years in Sardasht and Mahabad, gaining foundational education. He joined the IRGC in 1987 and later pursued Islamic studies in Qom, solidifying his position within the religious establishment. Sources close to the IRGC and security agencies have noted his growing political clout over the decades, positioning him as a critical figure in Iran’s power dynamics.