Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran's New Supreme Leader

Mar 9, 2026

86 min

Mar 9, 2026 01:31

Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? The 'shadow power' inside Iran

## Early Life and Education

Mojtaba Khamenei, born on September 8, 1969, in Mashhad, Iran, is the son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He grew up within Iran's revolutionary elite as his father ascended from cleric to president and eventually supreme leader. Mojtaba studied at the Qom seminary, a key center of Shiite scholarship, but did not achieve the public religious stature of leading ayatollahs.

## Military and Security Ties

During the Iran-Iraq War, Mojtaba joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), forming strong ties with Iran's security forces. These connections became crucial to his influence, particularly with the IRGC and the Basij paramilitary force, both vital in maintaining the Islamic Republic's stability.

## Political Influence

Mojtaba's political influence grew as he worked within the supreme leader's office, acting as a gatekeeper and shaping political decisions. His role became prominent during the 2009 presidential election, where he supported the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and coordinated the response to ensuing protests, solidifying his reputation as a hard-line figure.

## Rise to Power

Over the years, Mojtaba's influence expanded, and by the late 2010s, he was seen as a potential successor to his father. In 2019, the United States sanctioned him due to his close ties to Iran's leadership. His power was largely behind the scenes, but he was recognized as a significant power broker in Tehran.

## Becoming Supreme Leader

In February 2026, a regional conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States led to the death of Ali Khamenei. On March 8, 2026, Mojtaba was appointed as Iran's new supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts, marking the first father-to-son succession in the Islamic Republic. His appointment comes amid a tense geopolitical climate in the Middle East.

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents