Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader?
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader?
Iran’s Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new head of state. This decision aligns with the Iranian government’s ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, signaling a continuation of an assertive political approach.
Family Legacy and Early Life
Born on September 8, 1969, in Mashhad, Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on February 28. The 88-member Assembly of Experts formally selected him as the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader on March 8, shortly after the outbreak of intense hostilities with the US and Israel.
Political Influence and IRGC Ties
Known for his enigmatic presence, Mojtaba has emerged as a key figure in Iran’s power dynamics. His close connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have led many to believe the military elite plays a central role in his political ascension. Though he has never held public office, his influence within the IRGC and broader government structures is significant.
2005 Elections and Ahmadinejad’s Rise
Mojtaba’s political maneuvering gained attention during the 2005 presidential race, where he is believed to have orchestrated the victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, an IRGC-affiliated candidate. This move reportedly sidelined former president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, who remained politically quiet afterward. Mehdi Karroubi, another contender, publicly accused Mojtaba of meddling in the election.
Controversies and Economic Control
Four years later, Mojtaba faced similar criticism during Ahmadinejad’s reelection, which sparked nationwide protests. Demonstrators, opposing his succession of his father, shouted “death to Mojtaba” in the streets. Reports also link him to efforts to quash the “green movement” and allegations of financial misconduct. According to insiders, over 60% of Iran’s economy is managed through institutions under Ali Khamenei’s oversight, including the Mostazafan Foundation and the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee.
Asset Accumulation and Media Image
A 2026 Bloomberg investigation revealed Mojtaba’s extensive financial holdings, such as high-value properties in London and Dubai, as well as stakes in shipping, banking, and hospitality sectors in Europe. These assets are often structured through intermediaries across multiple jurisdictions. Despite this, state media depict him as a modest figure who lived a simple life, completing secondary education at Alavi School before entering the Qom seminary to study Islamic theology.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a lightweight,” said US outlet Axios, quoting former President Donald Trump. Trump had previously called the appointment “unacceptable,” predicting the new leader would not endure without Washington’s approval.
Israel’s defense minister warned that Mojtaba would be a “target for elimination” upon taking office, reflecting concerns about his role in Iran’s confrontational policies. His early years were shaped by his father’s activism against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s monarchy, with Ali Khamenei spending seven years in Sardasht and Mahabad before joining the IRGC in 1987.
