The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader has sparked controversy, with reports claiming that his late father, Ali Khamenei, had opposed the idea of his son taking over the position.
According to a report by New York Post, the younger Khamenei was ultimately pushed forward for the role by Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after his father was killed in airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Late Supreme Leader’s opposition
The report states that Ali Khamenei had clearly expressed his opposition to Mojtaba succeeding him. Journalist Khosro Isfahani told the publication that the late leader had even mentioned it in his will.
‘In Khamenei’s will, he clearly asked that Mojtaba should not be chosen as his successor,’ said Isfahani, who serves as the research director at the National Union for Democracy in Iran.
According to Isfahani, the elder Khamenei believed his son did not have the political experience or ability required to lead the country.
Criticism over experience and leadership
Isfahani also criticised Mojtaba’s political background, saying he had not achieved anything significant in public life.
He claimed the younger cleric had largely remained in the shadow of his father and had not built an independent political career.
Claims of pressure on clerical council
The report further said Mojtaba’s appointment did not initially follow Iran’s usual leadership selection process. Normally, the decision is made by the Assembly of Experts, a council responsible for choosing the Supreme Leader.
According to him, the council did not originally vote in favour of Mojtaba, but the military organisation’s influence eventually led to his selection despite resistance.
Appointment amid escalating tensions
Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise to power comes during a period of major turmoil in Iran. The February 28 airstrikes that killed Ali Khamenei also resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian officials and triggered an escalating conflict involving Israel and the United States.
Before becoming Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei had never held any official government post in Iran. While he has occasionally appeared at pro-government rallies, he has rarely addressed the public or taken on a visible political role.
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