Supporters printed red-painted handprints, symbolizing loyalty to the new supreme leader, onto a wall in central Tehran.

A woman in a chador, carrying a photo of new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, marched through the streets on 9/3, responding to a call from Iran's Islamic Propaganda Council to pledge allegiance to the new leader.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was elected the next supreme leader by Iran's Assembly of Experts a day earlier, succeeding his late father, Ali Khamenei.

Some Iranians opposing the government also believe the new leader will maintain a hardline approach and escalate hostility towards the US and Israel. "This indicates things will get much worse," said Alireza, an engineer in Tehran.

Iranian media reported that hundreds of thousands gathered at Enghelab Square in Tehran to express support for the decision.

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 he was killed in an attack that initiated the US-Israel campaign on 28/2.

A mother and child looked up at the sky upon hearing fighter jets, after participating in a rally supporting Mojtaba in Tehran.

Mojtaba, son of Ali Khamenei, has broad 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 that hardliners continue to hold the highest leadership in Iran. The IRGC has declared "absolute obedience and sacrifice to fulfill the sacred commands" of the new supreme leader.

Many Iranian political and military leaders have also publicly expressed strong support for Mojtaba. Sadiq Larijani, Chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council, stated that this decision helps reassure the public amidst the conflict.

The image shows a crowd gathered to express support for new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei in central Tehran.

Iranians painted their hands red to symbolize loyalty to the new leader in central Tehran on 9/3.

Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since his election as supreme leader, likely for security reasons. The US and Israel had previously openly threatened to assassinate anyone elected to this position.

Crowds carried Iranian national flags, along with photos of new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei and late leader Ali Khamenei, marching through the streets of Tehran.

However, the Iranian Assembly of Experts' choice of Mojtaba could also be a significant gamble, with unclear implications for the country's international standing. Mojtaba's stance is even considered more hardline and ideologically driven than his father's, potentially leading to increased isolation for Iran.

A woman in Tehran held photos of new leader Mojtaba Khamenei and late leader Ali Khamenei while participating in the march.

President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Iran's selection of Mojtaba but did not disclose his response strategy.

Security forces guarded the rally supporting new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei at Enghelab Square.

Mojtaba Khamenei is expected to face difficult choices as he assumes power amid an escalating conflict with the US and Israel. The conflict has lasted nearly two weeks, causing over 1,500 deaths, damaging infrastructure across the Middle East, and disrupting global energy markets.

An Iranian family held a portrait of Mojtaba at Enghelab Square.

Iran's new supreme leader may continue to fight, maintaining a hardline stance. In this scenario, Iran could tighten domestic control, disperse forces and assets to minimize damage, and intensify asymmetric pressure tactics and clandestine operations. The alternative is to retreat and accept major concessions to end the conflict and reduce pressure. This could mean abandoning key pillars of Iran's military posture and regional influence.

Duc Trung (AFP, AP, Reuters)