Kathmandu — Iran’s powerful clerical body, the Assembly of Experts, has reportedly selected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
The information was disclosed by sources speaking on condition of anonymity to Iran International. If confirmed, the decision would mark a historic moment in post-1979 Iran, representing the first transfer of power within the same family since the Iranian Revolution.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 55, has long been considered an influential figure within Iran’s ruling establishment, though he has rarely appeared in public and has never held a formal political office. Over the years, he has reportedly played a key role inside his father’s office, acting as a power coordinator behind the scenes.
His position has often been compared to that of Ahmad Khomeini, son of Islamic Republic founder Ruhollah Khomeini, who served as a close aide during the early revolutionary years.
Analysts say Mojtaba gradually expanded his influence across political, security, and religious institutions. A central pillar of his power base is believed to be his close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). During the 1980s Iran–Iraq War, he reportedly served in the Habib Battalion. Many of his wartime associates later rose to senior positions in Iran’s security and intelligence agencies, helping him build enduring networks of influence.
For years, opposition figures and political rivals have accused him of involvement in election interference and the suppression of dissent, allegations that have been widely debated but not formally proven in court.
Under Iran’s constitution, the Supreme Leader must possess deep expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and receive recognition as a senior religious authority. However, Mojtaba Khamenei is not regarded as a top-ranking cleric. Although he studied under prominent scholars in Qom, he does not hold the formal titles of Ayatollah or Mujtahid.
His reported selection is likely to intensify criticism that the Islamic Republic is shifting from a revolutionary system toward dynastic rule.
After decades operating largely behind the scenes, Mojtaba Khamenei now stands at the center of what could become one of the most consequential turning points in Iran’s modern history.
