Mojtaba Khamenei Appointed Iran's New Supreme Leader After Ali Khamenei's Death

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been chosen as the new Supreme Leader of Iran by the Assembly of Experts, allegedly under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Ali Khamenei was killed on Saturday, March 1st, following joint US-Israeli strikes.

Key points

• Mojtaba Khamenei is Ali Khamenei's second oldest son and is 56 years old.
• Mojtaba has strong ties to the IRGC and the Basij volunteer paramilitary force.
• The Assembly of Experts met in Qom to select the successor.
• Ali Khamenei was buried in Mashhad on March 3rd.
• The US and Israel flattened the building where the Assembly of Experts met.
• Following Ali Khamenei's death, Iran is temporarily governed by a three-person council.

Why it matters

The succession of Iran's Supreme Leader is a pivotal moment, especially following the death of Ali Khamenei in a military conflict, potentially shifting the country's strategic direction.