Khamenei’s son Mojtaba elected as Iran’s new Supreme leader

Iran’s Assembly of Experts has elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as the Islamic Republic’s new Supreme Leader — marking the first transfer of power within the same family since the 1979 revolution.

Aged 55, Mojtaba has long wielded influence behind the scenes, building deep ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and operating as a key power broker within his father’s office. He is widely seen as one of the architects of the regime’s internal repression, including the crackdown on the 2009 democratic movement.

His appointment has drawn criticism over his limited religious credentials — he does not hold the rank of ayatollah and lacks the executive experience required under Iran’s constitution.

The succession has intensified concerns that the Islamic Republic, founded as a revolutionary state, is shifting toward dynastic rule, with analysts warning of further consolidation of authoritarian power under his leadership.