The decision was reportedly approved on March 8, 2026, with the assembly urging Iranians to support the new leader and maintain national unity as the country faces an ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

At 56 years old, Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of the late Supreme Leader. Although he has never held an officially prominent government position, analysts of Iranian politics say he has long played a significant role behind the scenes in the country’s leadership.

Observers also claim he maintains close ties with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite military force that plays a major role in Iran’s political and security structure.

In 2019, the United States imposed sanctions on Mojtaba Khamenei, accusing him of effectively acting on behalf of his father in state matters without holding any official position in the Iranian government.

Analyst and writer Graeme Wood of The Atlantic recently said a source familiar with Mojtaba described him as “one of the most dangerous figures in the world,” suggesting he could prove even more hardline than his father.

Unlike his father, who often justified decisions through interpretations of Islamic teachings and the Qur'an, some observers believe Mojtaba may rely less on religious doctrine in decision-making raising concerns that he could take a more uncompromising approach to power.