Mojtaba Khamenei Named Iran’s Supreme Leader

Iran’s Assembly of Experts have announced the son of the late former Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader of the country, a week after his father was killed in the ongoing war between Iran, Israel and the United States. This was revealed by the top clerical body, the Assembly of Experts, in a published statement.

“After careful and extensive studies, in today’s extraordinary session, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei (may Allah protect him) is appointed and introduced as the third leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the decisive vote of the respected representatives of the Assembly of Experts,” the statement read in part.

Other contenders for the position had included Alireza Arafi, one of the three members of the interim council running the country, hardliner Mohsen Araki, and even Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic in 1979.

Mojtaba’s appointment comes at a time when the country is reeling from a war that has thrown the Middle East into crisis and triggered price increases in crude oil and refined petroleum products in many countries worldwide.

Before his appointment, the new supreme leader had already been a subject of concern for the United States and Israel.

Trump, on different occasions, has revealed his intention to be involved in the selection of the new leader of the Middle Eastern country following Khamenei’s death. In an interview with Axios, Trump had described Mojtaba as a “lightweight”, adding thate the his administration would prefer a leader who would restore peace in the country that has been plunged into a crisis.

“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela. We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran,” said Trump.

Before the announcement was made on Sunday, Trump had said the new supreme leader would not last long, saying whoever emerged would have to seek permission from the US.