Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ali Khamenei, has been selected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader after the assassination of his father during an Israeli strike amid escalating regional conflict, as per Iranian media reports.
According to Iranian state media, the decision was announced on Sunday by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body responsible for appointing the country’s Supreme Leader.
However, reports suggest that the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader could further intensify regional tensions.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had reportedly stated that Mojtaba was the most likely successor to Ali Khamenei, warning that such a development would be “unacceptable.”
Iranian state media claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei has been selected as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the reported killing of his father.
According to these reports, Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of a war involving the United States and Israel in an Israeli strike that also reportedly killed several members of his family.
The 56-year-old Mojtaba survived because he was not present at the location during the attack.
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Mojtaba Khamenei was born on September 8, 1969, in Mashhad, Iran. He is known as the second son of Iran’s longtime Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and is reportedly described as “more violent and ideological than his father.”
Despite his influential position within Iran’s political and religious establishment, Mojtaba has largely maintained a low public profile. He rarely delivers public speeches or sermons, and many Iranians are unfamiliar with his public voice.
Analysts say he has strong connections with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), one of Iran’s most influential military institutions.
Role in Iranian Politics
Mojtaba first gained wider attention during Iran’s 2005 presidential election, when he was accused by critics of supporting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who later became president.
Similar allegations resurfaced during the 2009 presidential election, when Ahmadinejad’s re-election triggered widespread protests across Iran.
Russia shares intelligence with Iran during US-Israeli conflict, US officials say
During the demonstrations, some protesters voiced opposition to the idea of Mojtaba eventually succeeding his father as Supreme Leader.
Wealth & International Assets
A 2026 investigation by Bloomberg reported that Mojtaba Khamenei is linked to various international financial interests.
These reportedly include high-value real estate in London and Dubai, as well as business connections tied to shipping, banking, and hospitality sectors in Europe.
According to the report, many of these assets are structured through intermediaries and corporate entities across multiple jurisdictions rather than being directly registered in his name.
Questions over Religious Rank
Another issue surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership is his clerical status.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
He currently holds the religious rank of Hojatoleslam, which is considered a mid-level clerical title rather than the higher Ayatollah rank traditionally associated with Iran’s Supreme Leader.
However, a similar situation occurred in 1989, when Ali Khamenei himself became Supreme Leader despite not holding the highest clerical rank at the time.
Iran’s laws were later adjusted, which could allow a similar solution for Mojtaba if his leadership is confirmed.
