Displaying items by tag: Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran’s clerical leaders have moved quickly to appoint a new Supreme Leader after Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and American strikes on the opening day of the conflict. His successor is his 56-year-old son, Mojtaba Khamenei. For years he has been influential behind the scenes, often described as a gatekeeper to his father and closely connected to key centres of power. His wife Zahra was reportedly killed in the same Israeli air strike that killed his father. Although he lacks broad public recognition and has never held elected office, reports indicate he has the backing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the powerful security force which underpins the state. His appointment is likely to reinforce the existing direction of Iran’s leadership during a period of intense regional conflict and internal pressure. Observers note that many Iranians who have called for reform will see little sign of change in this appointment, which might give Donald Trump a strategic advantage in his war of words with Tehran. Breaking news: on 12 March, a message was read out on state television, said to come from the new Supreme Leader, vowing that Iran would fight on. See https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/12/iran-vows-to-fight-on-in-first-message-issued-in-name-of-mojtaba-khamenei