Iran Appoints Mojtaba Khamenei As Supreme Leader Following Father’s Death

Iran has officially appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as its new Supreme Leader, following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei.

The announcement was made on Sunday, March 8, by the Assembly of Experts — the clerical body constitutionally tasked with appointing the country’s supreme leader.

Through a statement distributed via state media, the Assembly indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei had been selected following what it characterized as a “decisive vote.”

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Citizens were called upon to remain united and rally behind the newly appointed leader.

The statement also called on Iranians, “especially the elites and intellectuals of the seminaries and universities,” to declare their allegiance to the new leadership and contribute to the preservation of national unity.

The appointment follows the death of Ali Khamenei, who had led Iran as Supreme Leader since 1989.

He was reportedly killed on February 28 during a joint military operation conducted by the United States and Israel, which targeted leadership locations in Tehran amid heightened regional tensions.

Prior to the formal announcement of Mojtaba’s appointment, Donald Trump had publicly voiced his opposition to the possibility of Mojtaba assuming the role, reportedly referring to him as a “lightweight” and suggesting he should have no part in shaping Iran’s future leadership.