Iran's Assembly of Experts names Mojtaba Khamenei as new supreme leaderMojtaba Khamenei as new supreme leader after father's killing
Iran's Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country's new supreme leader on March 8, 2026. The announcement by state media followed his father's assassination amid US and Israeli strikes that began on February 28. This leadership change comes during Iran's worst crisis in its 47-year history and raises questions about the regime's stability and regional tensions.
Iranian State Media
State television announced the Assembly of Experts' selection of Mojtaba Khamenei to ensure national unity. Supporters celebrated the appointment across the country. The new leader pledges to protect Iran's rights without seeking war.
Western Media
US intelligence indicates the late Ali Khamenei distrusted his son as dim and unqualified. President Trump called Mojtaba a lightweight and unacceptable choice. Reports question his health and true control amid ongoing strikes.
- Mojtaba Khamenei fought in the Iran-Iraq war during the 1980s.
- He is Iran's third supreme leader since the 1979 revolution.
- US intelligence reported Ali Khamenei viewed his son as unqualified for leadership.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
