Mojtaba Khamenei

• 10 Mar 2026

In March 2026, Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader.

• He succeeds his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an air strike.
• Mojtaba Khamenei is a 56-year-old mid-ranking Shiite cleric.
• The Assembly of Experts is responsible for appointing Iran’s Supreme Leader.
• Mojtaba previously held influence within Iran’s political and security system.
• He maintained close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• He was widely seen as his father’s “gatekeeper” within the Iranian establishment.
• Mojtaba has opposed reformists seeking engagement with Western countries.
• He supports hardline policies regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
• The Supreme Leader holds the highest authority in Iran’s political system.
• The position has final authority over foreign policy and defence matters.