Reports from the London-based outlet Iran International state that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been selected to succeed his father following his death. According to the report, Iran’s Assembly of Experts — the body responsible for appointing and overseeing the supreme leader — made the decision in closed-door deliberations. The claim has not been confirmed by Iran’s state media or official government sources.
In the days following reports of Ali Khamenei’s death, speculation circulated about potential successors and the status of senior Iranian officials. Some early reports suggested Mojtaba Khamenei may also have been killed, though those accounts were later described as unverified. Iranian authorities have not publicly addressed many of the claims surrounding leadership succession.
If confirmed, Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment would continue leadership within the same family during a period of heightened regional tensions. The selection process for Iran’s supreme leader is typically conducted privately, and official announcements can take time to emerge. Analysts note that any transition at the top of Iran’s political system could have significant domestic and international implications.
The reports surfaced shortly after the Israel Defense Forces said it had conducted operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure. At a press briefing, IDF Chief Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Effie Defrin stated that Israeli forces had struck a facility identified as Min Zadai on the outskirts of Tehran, which he said was linked to weapons development. Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed those specific claims.