Nigeria: Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as new supreme leader
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Iran’s Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new Supreme Leader. This decision was made following Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s assassination joint US-Israeli strikes on Tehran.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, is considered a hardline conservative and has been a key figure behind the scenes in Iran’s power structure. He has strong ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and has been involved in suppressing dissent, including the 2009 Green Movement protests.
The appointment has sparked concerns about potential hereditary succession, as Iran has long criticized hereditary rule. Mojtaba’s elevation to the role of Supreme Leader places him at the center of Iran’s complex power-sharing system, granting him final authority on all state affairs.
Analysts believe Mojtaba’s leadership could lead to a more hardline approach domestically and internationally. His close relationship with the IRGC may strengthen the influence of security institutions in Iranian politics.
The international community has reacted cautiously to the news, with US President Donald Trump previously describing Mojtaba as a “lightweight”.
