Amid the escalating US-Israel war with Iran, Iran’s powerful clerical body has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, succeeding his father Ali Khamenei. The decision was announced by the Assembly of Experts, following the elder Khamenei’s death during the ongoing conflict.


US-Israel War with Iran: Mojtaba Khamenei to Succeed His Father Ali Khamenei As Supreme Leader

As Mojtaba prepares to take the throne amidst a devastating war with the US and Israel, he is facing intense opposition from within his own regime. Rivals are warning against a "hereditary monarchy." 

As Mojtaba prepares to take the throne amidst a devastating war with the US and Israel, he is facing intense opposition from within his own regime. Rivals are warning against a "hereditary monarchy."&nbsp;

Iran War: Mojtaba Khamenei was impotent? WikiLeaks reveals UK doctors cured him despite 'Death to England' chants

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 5) indicated that he wanted to start from scratch in Iran and "clean out" the leadership. He hinted that he had some names in mind for a "good leader" who could take over from the Iranian leadership. Who does the POTUS want to lead Tehran? Here's what we know.<h2>Step 1: "clean out everything"</h2>In a telephonic interview with NBC News, Trump revealed US plans for Iran and said, "We want to go in and clean out everything". The US president said that they "don’t want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period".He described the leader as "good" and said that they "have some people who I think would do a good job".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/america-s-deadliest-war-crime-investigation-finds-us-likely-responsible-for-devastating-school-strike-that-killed-150-iranian-girls-1772766411530">US investigation admits America may be responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls</a><h2>But who does Trump want in power in Iran?</h2>Trump coyly refused to take any names but said that he was making sure that the people he had in mind survive the ongoing war between US-Israel and Iran. "We are watching them, yeah," he said.Previously, he told NBC that while he doesn't know who would lead Iran next, "but at some point they’ll be calling me to ask who I’d like".A power vacuum in IranIran faces a power vacuum since the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint strike by Israel and the US. Khamenei's assassination was part of the coordinated airstrikes by Washington and Tel Aviv, with Israel calling the campaign Operation Lion’s Roar and Washington naming it Operation Epic Fury.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-matter-where-he-hides-israeli-defence-minister-threatens-to-assassinate-any-successor-to-iran-s-khamenei-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-1772613368778">'No matter where he hides': Israeli Defence Minister threatens to 'assassinate' any successor to Iran's Khamenei</a>Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1. The joint strikes which took him out also killed several senior Iranian figures.Recent reports suggested that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been elected as the next Supreme Leader by Iran's Assembly of Experts. However, Iran on Mar 4 rubbished the reports. In a post shared via the Consulate General in Mumbai X account, Iran said that the "reports circulating on media regarding potential candidates for leadership selected by Iran's Assembly of Experts have no official source and are officially denied."

Is the US planning a regime change in Iran after the war? Donald Trump says he wants to “clean out” Iran’s leadership and hinted he already has people in mind to lead the country after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. But who could replace him? Scroll down to read more.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 5) indicated that he wanted to start from scratch in Iran and "clean out" the leadership. He hinted that he had some names in mind for a "good leader" who could take over from the Iranian leadership. Who does the POTUS want to lead Tehran? Here's what we know. Step 1: "clean out everything" In a telephonic interview with NBC News, Trump revealed US plans for Iran and said, "We want to go in and clean out everything". The US president said that they "don’t want someone who would rebuild over a 10-year period". He described the leader as "good" and said that they "have some people who I think would do a good job". Also read | US investigation admits America may be responsible for devastating school strike that killed over 150 Iranian girls But who does Trump want in power in Iran? Trump coyly refused to take any names but said that he was making sure that the people he had in mind survive the ongoing war between US-Israel and Iran. "We are watching them, yeah," he said. Previously, he told NBC that while he doesn't know who would lead Iran next, "but at some point they’ll be calling me to ask who I’d like". A power vacuum in Iran Iran faces a power vacuum since the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint strike by Israel and the US. Khamenei's assassination was part of the coordinated airstrikes by Washington and Tel Aviv, with Israel calling the campaign Operation Lion’s Roar and Washington naming it Operation Epic Fury. Also read | 'No matter where he hides': Israeli Defence Minister threatens to 'assassinate' any successor to Iran's Khamenei Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1. The joint strikes which took him out also killed several senior Iranian figures. Recent reports suggested that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been elected as the next Supreme Leader by Iran's Assembly of Experts. However, Iran on Mar 4 rubbished the reports. In a post shared via the Consulate General in Mumbai X account, Iran said that the "reports circulating on media regarding potential candidates for leadership selected by Iran's Assembly of Experts have no official source and are officially denied."

Is the US planning a regime change in Iran after the war? Donald Trump says he wants to “clean out” Iran’s leadership and hinted he already has people in mind to lead the country after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed. But who could replace him? Scroll down to read more.

'Clean out': Trump wants Iran’s leadership removed, says THIS is his Khamenei successor pick. Find out who!

Iran on Wednesday (Mar 4) rubbished reports that Mojtaba Khamenei has been named as the nation's Supreme Leader after his father Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes. Issuing a statement via the Consulate General in Mumbai, the Iranian Government on X dismissed media reports on the supposed succession.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-matter-where-he-hides-israeli-defence-minister-threatens-to-assassinate-any-successor-to-iran-s-khamenei-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-1772613368778">'No matter where he hides': Katz threatens to 'assassinate' Khamenei's successor</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Reports circulating on media regarding potential candidates for leadership selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts have no official source and are officially denied.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AssemblyOfExperts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AssemblyOfExperts</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FactCheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FactCheck</a> <a href="https://t.co/g9b9znt8j8">pic.twitter.com/g9b9znt8j8</a>&mdash; Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRANinMumbai/status/2029075963708096547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei?</h2>Earlier, media reports suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei had been selected to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. However, now the Iranian government, in an X post made via its Consulate General in Mumbai, rubbished the succession claims. It said that the "reports circulating on media regarding potential candidates for leadership selected by Iran's Assembly of Experts have no official source and are officially denied."&nbsp;WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Has Iran already chosen its next supreme leader after Ali Khamenei was killed? Reports claimed Mojtaba Khamenei had been selected, but Tehran has now strongly denied it. 

Scroll down to read more.

Iran on Wednesday (Mar 4) rubbished reports that Mojtaba Khamenei has been named as the nation's Supreme Leader after his father Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes. Issuing a statement via the Consulate General in Mumbai, the Iranian Government on X dismissed media reports on the supposed succession. Also read | 'No matter where he hides': Katz threatens to 'assassinate' Khamenei's successor

Has Iran already chosen its next supreme leader after Ali Khamenei was killed? Reports claimed Mojtaba Khamenei had been selected, but Tehran has now strongly denied it.&nbsp;Scroll down to read more.

Iran denies Mojtaba Khamenei named supreme leader: Tehran slams 'fake' reports on succession

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday (Mar 4) threatened to assassinate ant Iranian leader that may be picked to succeed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. Katz's threat comes amid reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been selected to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-matter-where-he-hides-israeli-defence-minister-threatens-to-assassinate-any-successor-to-iran-s-khamenei-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-1772613368778">'No matter where he hides': Katz threatens to 'assassinate' Khamenei's successor</a><h2>What did Israel Katz say?</h2>In a post on X, the Israeli Defence Minister warned that any leader "appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people" will be assassinated. He said that any potential leader will find themselves “an unequivocal target for elimination. It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-weighs-arming-militias-to-overthrow-iran-regime-wants-somebody-from-within-report-1772599622355">Is Trump betting on armed militia to end war, overthrow Iran regime? All we know</a>"The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to prepare and act by all means to carry out the mission as an integral part of the objectives of Operation 'Lion's Roar',” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">כל מנהיג שימונה ע&quot;י משטר הטרור האיראני כדי להמשיך ולהוביל את התוכנית להשמדת ישראל, לאיים על ארה&quot;ב והעולם החופשי ומדינות האזור, ולדכא את העם האירני - יהיה יעד חד משמעי לחיסול. לא חשוב מה שמו והמקום בו יסתתר. רה&quot;מ ואני הנחינו את צה&quot;ל להיערך ולפעול בכל האמצעים למימוש המשימה כחלק…&mdash; ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/2029080566872580134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who will be Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's successor?</h2>According to an Iran International report, citing sources in the know, Iran's Assembly of Experts had elected the 56-year-old cleric to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination. His succession, as per the report, was pushed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "The IRGC heavily pressured the assembled group of clerics to select Mojtaba as the regime’s new leader," the outlet reported. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian state authorities.56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of the late leader and has for years been viewed by observers as a potential successor, despite holding no formal public office. However, he is believed to have effectively managed much of the Office of the Supreme Leader.&nbsp;

Israel has issued a chilling warning after reports that Iran may soon name a new supreme leader. Defence Minister Israel Katz said any successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would become a “certain target for assassination.”

Who is the likely successor? Scroll down to read more.

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday (Mar 4) threatened to assassinate ant Iranian leader that may be picked to succeed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli strikes on Tehran. Katz's threat comes amid reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been selected to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination. Also read | 'No matter where he hides': Katz threatens to 'assassinate' Khamenei's successor What did Israel Katz say? In a post on X, the Israeli Defence Minister warned that any leader "appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue and lead the plan to destroy Israel, to threaten the United States and the free world and the countries of the region, and to suppress the Iranian people" will be assassinated. He said that any potential leader will find themselves “an unequivocal target for elimination. It does not matter what his name is or the place where he hides.” Also read | Is Trump betting on armed militia to end war, overthrow Iran regime? All we know "The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to prepare and act by all means to carry out the mission as an integral part of the objectives of Operation 'Lion's Roar',” he said.

Israel has issued a chilling warning after reports that Iran may soon name a new supreme leader. Defence Minister Israel Katz said any successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would become a “certain target for assassination.”Who is the likely successor? Scroll down to read more.

'No matter where he hides': Israeli Defence Minister threatens to 'assassinate' any successor to Iran's Khamenei

Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been selected as the country's next top authority, according to reports. The claim has now been denied by the Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai. According to an Iran International report, citing sources in the know, Iran's Assembly of Experts had elected the 56-year-old cleric to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes on Iran. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Here's all we know about him.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-iran-will-not-automatically-fall-after-khamenei-s-death-farah-pahlavi-1772554447794">'Iran will not 'automatically' fall after...': Farah Pahlavi's BIG statement</a><h2>Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?</h2>56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of the late leader and has for years been viewed by observers as a potential successor, despite holding no formal public office. However, he is believed to have effectively managed much of the Office of the Supreme Leader. Analysts often refer to him as a power broker operating out of sight.A mid-ranking cleric, Mojtaba, reportedly served during the Iran-Iraq war and is said to maintain close ties with the Guard. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, rarely giving speeches and seldom appearing in state media.&nbsp;According to Iran International, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed for Mojtaba's succession. "The IRGC heavily pressured the assembled group of clerics to select Mojtaba as the regime’s new leader," the outlet reported. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian state authorities.<h2>A controversial succession</h2>A father-to-son handover would not be without controversy. Since the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic has framed itself as an alternative to monarchy, rejecting hereditary rule. A dynastic-style transition could test that claim and invite scrutiny, both inside Iran and abroad.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-the-us-israel-bomb-assembly-of-experts-building-where-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-is-selected-reports-claim-1772551975479">Did the US, Israel bomb the site where Iran's new Supreme Leader is selected?</a><h2>Who is the Supreme Leader? Why is the post important?</h2>The Supreme Leader stands at the centre of Iran's political system, with the final say on foreign policy, defence and key state matters. The Supreme Leader also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the Revolutionary Guard, which was designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2019. &nbsp;WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Reports say Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, has been chosen to succeed him as Iran’s next supreme leader. What do we know about the cleric and the controversy around a possible dynastic shift? 

Scroll down to read more.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been selected as the country's next top authority, according to reports. The claim has now been denied by the Iranian Consulate General in Mumbai. According to an Iran International report, citing sources in the know, Iran's Assembly of Experts had elected the 56-year-old cleric to assume the leadership left vacant after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's assassination in joint United States-Israel strikes on Iran. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Here's all we know about him. Also read | 'Iran will not 'automatically' fall after...': Farah Pahlavi's BIG statement Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is the second-eldest son of the late leader and has for years been viewed by observers as a potential successor, despite holding no formal public office. However, he is believed to have effectively managed much of the Office of the Supreme Leader. Analysts often refer to him as a power broker operating out of sight. A mid-ranking cleric, Mojtaba, reportedly served during the Iran-Iraq war and is said to maintain close ties with the Guard. He has largely stayed out of the public eye, rarely giving speeches and seldom appearing in state media. According to Iran International, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed for Mojtaba's succession. "The IRGC heavily pressured the assembled group of clerics to select Mojtaba as the regime’s new leader," the outlet reported. There has been no immediate confirmation from Iranian state authorities. A controversial succession A father-to-son handover would not be without controversy. Since the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Republic has framed itself as an alternative to monarchy, rejecting hereditary rule. A dynastic-style transition could test that claim and invite scrutiny, both inside Iran and abroad. Also read | Did the US, Israel bomb the site where Iran's new Supreme Leader is selected? Who is the Supreme Leader? Why is the post important? The Supreme Leader stands at the centre of Iran's political system, with the final say on foreign policy, defence and key state matters. The Supreme Leader also serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, including the Revolutionary Guard, which was designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2019. WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Reports say Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, has been chosen to succeed him as Iran’s next supreme leader. What do we know about the cleric and the controversy around a possible dynastic shift?&nbsp;Scroll down to read more.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader to replace Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: Report

Among the figures attracting attention is Mojtaba Khamenei, the second-eldest son of the late Supreme Leader, long regarded as a powerful yet behind-the-scenes actor within Iran’s political and security apparatus.

Among the figures attracting attention is Mojtaba Khamenei, the second-eldest son of the late Supreme Leader, long regarded as a powerful yet behind-the-scenes actor within Iran’s political and security apparatus.

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? After US–Israel strikes killed Ali Khamenei, could his son inherit supreme leadership of Iran?

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US-Israel War with Iran: Mojtaba Khamenei to Succeed His Father Ali Khamenei As Supreme Leader

New Khamenei was impotent? WikiLeaks reveals UK doctors cured him

Trump says he wants Iran’s leadership removed, hints at his preferred successor

Who'll be Ali Khamenei's successor? Iran rubbishes reports of Mojtaba’s election

'No matter where he hides': Katz threatens to 'assassinate' Khamenei's successor

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? Iran elects new Supreme Leader: Report

Mojtaba Khamenei: Ayatollah’s son & potential successor to Iran’s supreme leader