Iran Appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as New Supreme Leader as War with US-Israel Intensifies
Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader following the killing of his father, Ali Khamenei, during the ongoing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The appointment comes as the conflict continues to expand across the Middle East with missile strikes, drone attacks and air raids reported in multiple countries.
Assembly of Experts Selects New Leader
According to Iranian officials and state-linked reports, the decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei was made by the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body responsible under Iran’s constitution for choosing the country’s supreme leader.
Analysts quoted by regional media said the assembly convened shortly after the death of Ali Khamenei and agreed to elevate Mojtaba Khamenei to the top leadership position. The selection was announced late on Sunday as the country faced intense military pressure from US-Israeli attacks.
Some Iranian analysts insisted the late leader had no direct role in the decision. They said the Assembly of Experts independently evaluated possible candidates and ultimately chose Mojtaba Khamenei due to his familiarity with the country’s political and security environment.
Iran’s Leadership Pledges Allegiance
Shortly after the announcement, key political and military institutions in Iran publicly pledged loyalty to the new leader.
President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the appointment, calling it the beginning of a “new era of dignity and strength” for the Iranian nation. In a statement, he said the decision reflected national unity at a time when Iran faces external aggression.
Senior figures across the state structure also expressed support, including parliament speaker Mohammad‑Bagher Qalibaf and influential politician Ali Larijani.
Iran’s military and security institutions quickly followed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the regular armed forces, the national police and the Basij paramilitary organization all issued statements pledging allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also congratulated the new leader, promising that the government would continue defending the country’s interests and the goals of the Islamic Revolution.
Public Reaction Inside Iran
Public reaction inside Iran remains difficult to fully assess due to communication disruptions during the war. However, early reports from Tehran suggested that some supporters gathered in the streets to express backing for the leadership transition.
Observers say the appointment is intended to signal political continuity and unity at a time when Iran is under heavy military attack. Mojtaba Khamenei has historically kept a relatively low public profile, and many Iranians are still waiting for his first official address to the nation.
US and Israel React
The leadership change has drawn strong reactions from Washington and Tel Aviv.
US President Donald Trump reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the appointment during media conversations, though he has not yet issued a formal public statement.
Meanwhile, Israeli leaders warned that the new Iranian leader would remain a target if he continues Tehran’s policies against Israel. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said any Iranian leader who supports the destruction of Israel could face assassination.
In the United States, Senator Lindsey Graham also criticised the selection, saying it did not represent the political change Washington hopes to see in Iran.
War Continues Across the Region
The leadership transition is taking place amid an expanding regional conflict that began after the United States and Israel launched large-scale strikes on Iranian targets in late February.
Air raids have been reported in Tehran and the religious city of Qom, including attacks on oil infrastructure that sent toxic smoke across the Iranian capital. In response, Iran has fired missiles and drones toward Israel and US-linked facilities across the region.
Missile interceptions and drone attacks have been reported in several Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Fighting has also intensified in Beirut, where Israeli air strikes targeted areas believed to host fighters of Hezbollah. Lebanese authorities say hundreds of thousands of civilians have been displaced amid the escalating bombardment.
A Leadership Transition in Wartime
Mojtaba Khamenei now takes control of Iran at one of the most critical moments in the country’s modern history. With regional tensions rising and international pressure mounting, his leadership is expected to shape how Tehran responds to the widening conflict in the Middle East.
Analysts say his first public statements and strategic decisions will be closely watched by both allies and adversaries as the war continues to unfold.
