“Mojtaba Khamenei” named Iran’s Supreme Leader
Assembly of Experts confirms leadership transition
Iran’s Assembly of Experts has appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, 56, as the country’s third Supreme Leader, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The 88-member clerical body said Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen by a decisive, overwhelming vote after “precise and extensive reviews,” and formalized his introduction as Leader of the Islamic Revolution and the Islamic Republic.
The Assembly’s statement framed the appointment in religious terms, invoking God’s mercy and praising the institution of Wilayat al‑Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) as central to the republic’s governance during the occultation of the Imam of the Age. It honored the martyrdom of Ali Khamenei—who led Iran for 37 years—and other officials and students reportedly killed in what the statement described as a US‑Israeli strike, condemning the attack and calling for national unity against perceived external plots.
The Assembly thanked a provisional council that had overseen leadership duties under Article 111 of the constitution and urged Iran’s elites, clerical scholars, academics and the wider population to pledge allegiance to the new Leader and rally around Wilayat al‑Faqih.
