“Mojtaba Khamenei has been appointed as the third leader in the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the decisive votes from the esteemed representatives of the Assembly of Experts. We did not hesitate for one minute in selecting the new leader, despite the brutal aggression by the US and Israel,” Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced on the evening of 8/3.
Iranian state media reported that commanders of the armed forces have pledged allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei. “The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is absolutely ready to obey and sacrifice to carry out the sacred commands of the incumbent Guardian of Islamic Law, His Excellency Mojtaba Khamenei,” the force stated.
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Mojtaba Khamenei (wearing a black turban) at an event in Tehran in 2019. Photo: Reuters |
The Supreme Leader holds Iran’s highest political and religious authority, possessing final decision-making power on national issues. Ali Khamenei held this position from 1989 until his death in a US-Israeli strike that initiated a campaign on 28/2.
Mojtaba Khamenei has extensive influence in Iran and close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij volunteer militia. He is considered a conservative, and his appointment indicates the continued hold of hardliners on Iran’s top leadership.
US President Donald Trump previously stated that Mojtaba Khamenei was “not worth mentioning.” Before Iran announced the new Supreme Leader, Trump reiterated that he should have a say in the appointment of the country’s new leader. “If he does not receive our approval, he will not last long in office,” President Trump stated.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that the decision to select the Supreme Leader rests entirely with Iran and that “we do not allow anyone to interfere in our internal affairs.” Araghchi further demanded that Trump “apologize to the people of the region” for initiating war.
The Israeli military previously warned it would “not hesitate to target” Ali Khamenei’s successor.
Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)
