Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, has been appointed as the new head of the Islamic Republic, emerging as a discreet yet influential figure expected to carry forward his father’s hardline legacy.
The 56-year-old held no formal government post during his father’s decades in power. Still, he was widely believed to wield significant influence behind the scenes, quietly shaping decisions at the center of Iran’s political and security establishment.
Long seen as close to conservative factions, Mojtaba Khamenei is particularly known for his ties to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which quickly pledged allegiance following his appointment.
Iran’s third supreme leader also received swift endorsements from Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as backing from the armed forces and the judiciary within hours of the announcement.
Because he has rarely appeared in public or spoken extensively in the media, Mojtaba Khamenei’s real influence has long been the subject of speculation among Iranians and foreign diplomats alike.
