Iran War Live Updates: Mojtaba Khamenei's Rise as Supreme Leader Sparks Debate Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been named Iran’s new supreme leader following his father’s death in US-Israeli strikes. At 56, he becomes the third supreme leader in the Islamic Republic’s history and the first to ascend from a father’s position since the 1979 revolution. His selection has ignited discussions about the ideological and political differences between him and his father, who ruled for over three decades. For years, Mojtaba Khamenei remained a figure of limited public recognition, operating behind the scenes of Iran’s political machinery. His ascension, however, marked a historic shift as the leadership of the Islamic Republic transitioned from father to son for the first time since the revolution. Crowds in Tehran celebrated the news, with some chanting “Allahu Akbar” while others voiced opposition, reflecting the nation’s divided reaction to the change. The timing of Mojtaba’s rise coincides with heightened tensions in the region, including ongoing conflicts and international pressure on Iran. Analysts are closely examining how his leadership might differ from his father’s, particularly given their contrasting paths to power. While Ali Khamenei built his authority through formal political roles, including a presidency, Mojtaba’s influence grew through covert operations within Iran’s ruling elite. Professor Simon Mabon of Lancaster University highlighted this distinction, noting that Ali Khamenei’s political experience as president gave him a broader public profile, whereas Mojtaba’s power stemmed from his role as a behind-the-scenes strategist.#iran #ayatollah_ali_khamenei #islamic_revolutionary_guard_corps #mojtaba_khamenei #lancaster_university
