08.03.2026 23:21
It has been claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei, one of Iran's leading Shia clerics and the deputy chief of staff in the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran, has been designated as the new leader. Since 1997, Khamenei has been responsible for political and security affairs in the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran and served on the front lines during the Iran-Iraq War. Mojtaba Khamenei is known as the most influential son of Ali Khamenei.
Born on September 8, 1969, Mojtaba Khamenei is an Iranian politician and Shia cleric. Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the religious leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the US-Israel operation that began on February 28, is considered one of the influential figures within the Iranian government for many years.
AN INFLUENTIAL FIGURE IN IRANIAN GOVERNMENT
It is known that Mojtaba Khamenei has been serving as the deputy chief of staff responsible for political and security affairs in the Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran since 1997. In political circles in Iran, it is often mentioned that he holds significant power behind the scenes.
SERVED IN THE IRAN-IRAQ WAR
Khamenei served on the front lines during the Iran-Iraq War between 1987 and 1988. In the following years, he increased his influence within the security and political structures in Iran.
INFLUENTIAL OVER BASIJ
During the protests that emerged after the presidential elections in Iran in 2009, various claims arose that he was influential over the paramilitary Basij forces and played a role in suppressing the protests.
PLACED ON US SANCTIONS LIST
On November 4, 2019, the US Department of the Treasury placed Mojtaba Khamenei on the sanctions list. The Washington administration stated that this decision was part of policies targeting influential figures around Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alleging that Mojtaba Khamenei played a role in pressure activities both inside and outside Iran.
Mojtaba Khamenei was teaching theology at the Qom Seminary.
His name came up for religious leadership following the killing of his father Ali Khamenei on February 28 during attacks by the US and Israel on targets in Iran.
Ayatollah Eshkevari, a member of the Assembly of Experts, announced that Mojtaba Khamenei has been designated as the new leader.