Iran names Mojtaba Khamenei new Supreme Leader after father’s death

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei. 

The decision was announced on Sunday, March 8, by the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible under Iran’s constitution for selecting the country’s supreme leader. 

In a statement circulated by state media, the Assembly said Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen after what it described as a “decisive vote.” It called on citizens to remain united and support the new leader. 

The statement urged Iranians, “especially the elites and intellectuals of the seminaries and universities,” to pledge allegiance to the leadership and help preserve national unity. 

The appointment comes days after the k!lling of Ali Khamenei, who had served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989. 

 He was reportedly k!lled on February 28 during a joint military operation by the United States and Israel targeting leadership sites in Tehran amid escalating regional tensions. 

Before Mojtaba was announced as the new leader, Donald Trump publicly opposed the prospect of Mojtaba becoming Iran’s leader, reportedly describing him as a “lightweight” and suggesting he should not play a role in determining the country’s leadership.