Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain former leader, in Tehran. (Photo: X)
Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran’s slain supreme leader, has been named as the Islamic Republic’s next ruler, authorities announced Monday, as Tehran widened its attacks across the Mideast to strike oil and water facilities crucial to its desert sheikdoms.
With Iran’s theocracy under assault by the US and Israel for more than a week, the Guard has been firing missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf Arab states since the younger Khamenei’s father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed Feb. 28 during the war’s opening salvo.
The war has shaken global energy markets, pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel and leading to tighter supplies of natural gas after Qatar turned off its production.Read all latest developments here.
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was born in 1969 in Mashhad. He grew up during the years when his father was active in opposing the Shah before Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Mojtaba, son of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, center, attends the annual Quds, or Jerusalem Day rally in Tehran, Iran. (Photo: X/@_GlobeObserver)
Unlike many senior figures in Iran’s clerical establishment, Mojtaba is not considered a high-ranking religious scholar. He has never held elected office and has no formal government post. However, he is widely believed to wield significant influence behind the scenes, particularly through his close ties with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
He fought during the Iran-Iraq war and later became involved in managing parts of his father’s office. In 2019, the United States sanctioned him, alleging that he acted in an official capacity on behalf of the supreme leader despite holding no formal title.
His appointment would be historic as Iran’s leadership has long rejected the idea of hereditary rule, and succession from father to son is not traditionally viewed favourably within Shia clerical circles.
Ali Nasr, an Iran expert at Johns Hopkins University, told The New York Times that Mojtaba’s elevation would signal that “a much more hard-line Revolutionary Guard side of the regime is now in charge”.
Supporters may see him as a continuation of his father’s rule at a time of crisis. Critics, however, could view the move as entrenching dynastic politics within a system that officially opposes monarchy.
The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body elected by the public, is constitutionally responsible for appointing and overseeing the supreme leader. This would be only the second time in the Islamic Republic’s history that it has selected a new leader.
The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students.
All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.
Core Team
The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.
Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More
Share
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain former leader, in Tehran. (Photo: X) 
