Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as new supreme leader

The hardline cleric succeeds his father as war with US and Israel intensifies.
Text: Óscar Ontañón Docal
Published 2026-03-09

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new supreme leader, succeeding his father Ali Khamenei, who was killed in early strikes during the conflict with the United States and Israel. Iran's Assembly of Experts said the 88-member body voted decisively to appoint Mojtaba, a hardline cleric with strong ties to Iran's security establishment.

The appointment consolidates power among Iran's hardliners as fighting escalates. US President Donald Trump had said Washington should have a say in Iran's next leader, while Israel warned it could target whoever replaced Khamenei. We'll have to wait and see how the situation unfolds...

Khamenei (father and son)

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