Iran’s Assembly of Experts was directed to decide on the succession immediately and in confidence.
According to Iran International, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, 85, is reportedly unwell and will shortly resign from office. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, will take over as his successor.
According to sources, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called a meeting of Iran’s Assembly of Experts on September 26 and gave them instructions to make a decision about his successor immediately and in confidence.
The assembly unanimously chose Mojtaba, Khamenei’s son, to succeed him. However, Khamenei and his aides allegedly used pressure on members who opposed the decision and the process, with some sources claiming that direct threats were used to influence their decision (New18).
Here is everything we know about Mojtaba Khamenei, the possible heir to Iran’s top job:
Personal life
In 1969, Mojtaba, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s second son, was born in Mashhad. He became a cleric after studying theology under the guidance of his father and other significant mentors. These days, he also teaches theology at the Qom Seminary.
Along with his spouse, Zahra Haddad-Adel, he has three children.
Role in 2009 elections
Mojtaba backed Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the 2005 and 2009 Iranian elections, and it is said that he contributed to the latter’s victory in 2009.
Protests erupted in June 2009 following Ahmadinejad’s victory, with Mojtaba allegedly spearheading the effort to quell the anti-government demonstrations.
However, after Ahmadinejad accused Mojtaba Khamenei of embezzling money from the state treasury, his relationship with him deteriorated.
The next Supreme Leader
Although the Assembly of Experts is primarily a ceremonial organization, there may be some opposition to him since he continues to be speculated as the next Supreme Leader of Iran, following in his father’s footsteps.
It is also believed that Mojtaba has access to substantial financial resources. His political influence, according to The Guardian, was insufficient to guarantee him a place as the next Supreme Leader.
