Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei Takes Reins
Iran’s Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader. This marks the first hereditary succession in the Islamic Republic’s history, coming just over a week after his father’s death in the initial joint US-Israeli airstrikes that ignited the ongoing war on February 28.
Iranian state media reported the decision, with the Assembly of Experts stating that Mojtaba Khamenei was selected by a decisive vote. As supreme leader, he assumes the roles of the nation’s highest religious and political authority, as well as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The appointment signals continuity for hardliners, with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
In swift response, Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, welcomed the choice, describing it as ushering in a “new era of dignity and strength” and highlighting national unity against external threats, according to Fars news agency. The IRGC, regular armed forces, national police, and senior figures including National Security Council head Ali Larijani and parliament speaker Mohammed-Bagher Qalibaf promptly pledged allegiance. Analyst Hamid Reza Gholamzadeh from Tehran’s DiploHouse think tank noted that the late leader had no direct role in the succession, which constitutionally falls to the Assembly of Experts, though Mojtaba’s proximity to his father provided valuable insight into the challenges ahead.
The transition unfolds against intensified military exchanges. Explosions rocked Tehran overnight, with Al Jazeera Arabic correspondents reporting fresh blasts. Israeli strikes have targeted oil facilities and infrastructure in the capital, producing toxic smoke and contributing to hazardous conditions. Iran retaliated with missile barrages toward Israel, including a new wave in the past hour, per Tasnim news agency. Israeli media reported interceptor debris in multiple areas, while the military declared Iranian attacks concluded for now.
ALSO READ :Indian National Among Two Killed As Missile Strikes Residential Compound In Saudi Arabia’s Al-Kharj
The conflict’s ripple effects continue across the region. Bahrain’s Ministry of Health reported 32 wounded in an Iranian drone strike on Sitra, with four in critical condition. In Iraq, a drone incident in Baghdad’s southern Al I’alam neighbourhood caused a house fire and injured one woman. Qatar intercepted a missile, and its interior ministry urged residents indoors amid heightened threats. Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry downed a drone over the Rub al-Khali desert near the Shaybah oilfield and reported earlier foiled attacks on Riyadh, an airbase, and other sites, with at least two killed in Al Kharj from a residential strike.
Economically, oil prices surged, with Brent crude reaching $108.77 amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on shipping. Asian markets plunged, with Japan’s Nikkei dropping 6.2% and broader declines in South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
US President Donald Trump, in an interview with The Times of Israel, avoided direct comment on the appointment, saying only “We’ll see what happens.” He described the war’s end as a mutual decision with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for a pardon for Netanyahu amid his corruption trial. US Senator Lindsey Graham criticised the choice on X, deeming it “not the change we’re looking for” and predicting a short tenure.
The US Embassy in Riyadh ordered nonemergency staff and families to depart Saudi Arabia due to risks from the escalating conflict. The war has also claimed an eighth US soldier in Iranian counterattacks, per US confirmations.