Mojtaba Khamenei emerges as front-runner to succeed father as Iran’s supreme leader

SON of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Mojtaba Khamenei has emerged as the leading candidate to assume the nation’s top position following his father’s death in recent U.S. and Israeli air strikes, according to reports by Sputnik and RIA Novosti citing The New York Times and Iranian officials.

Senior clerics responsible for selecting Iran’s next Supreme Leader convened on Tuesday to discuss succession, with Mojtaba reportedly emerging as the preferred choice.

Early consideration to announce him as the new leader was reportedly underway by Wednesday morning, although concerns were raised that such a move could make him a direct target of U.S. and Israeli forces.

The strikes on 28 February targeted multiple locations across Iran, including Tehran, resulting in significant destruction and civilian casualties. State television in Iran confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Iran launched missile attacks against Israeli territory and U.S. military facilities in the broader Middle East region, escalating tensions and raising international concern over the stability of the Iranian leadership transition. - March 4, 2026