Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has officially been named Iran’s new Supreme Leader, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s leadership succession. His appointment follows the passing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who reportedly died due to US-Israel attacks.
The significant announcement came on Sunday, March 8, when Iranian clerics confirmed Mojtaba’s designation. “Appointed and introduced as the third leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the decisive vote of the esteemed representatives of the Majlis of Experts,” the clerical body declared in a statement, as quoted by AFP.
Mojtaba Khamenei now assumes his role, following in the footsteps of previous Supreme Leaders Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1979–1989) and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (1989–2026), becoming the third individual to hold this powerful position.
Who is Mojtaba?
Born on September 8, 1969, in the eastern Iranian city of Mashhad, Mojtaba Khamenei is one of the six children of the late Supreme Leader. His father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, passed away at the age of 86 in Tehran more than a week ago, during the initial wave of US-Israel air strikes that escalated conflict across the Middle East.
Known for his reclusive demeanor in official ceremonies and limited media appearances, Mojtaba Khamenei’s true influence has been a consistent subject of intense speculation among the Iranian populace and diplomatic circles for many years.
He stands out as the only child of the former Supreme Leader to hold a public-facing role, despite not having an official government title. The cleric, recognizable by his distinguished grey beard and the black turban indicative of a “seyyed” (a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad), has been characterized by some as a behind-the-scenes operator, subtly steering the levers of power within Iran.
His political leanings place him firmly with conservatives, a connection bolstered by his strong ties to the Revolutionary Guard, the ideological arm of the Islamic republic’s military. This association dates back to his service in a combat unit during the late stages of the Iran-Iraq War, which raged from 1980 to 1988.
Iran Fires Missiles at Israel After Mojtaba’s Appointment
Shortly after Mojtaba Khamenei’s formal announcement as Iran’s Supreme Leader, the nation launched missiles toward Israel. Iranian news agencies promptly broadcast images of the projectiles slated for Israel, prominently featuring an inscription: “Ready to carry out your orders, Sayyid Mojtaba.”
Trump’s Threat
Mojtaba’s appointment unfolded against a backdrop of threats from former US President Donald Trump. Just last week, Trump had publicly rejected Mojtaba’s candidacy, asserting his intent to intervene in the selection of Iran’s new leader following Khamenei’s death.
“If he doesn’t get our approval, he won’t last long,” Trump reportedly stated in response to Mojtaba’s designation, as quoted by Reuters. Concurrently, Israel has affirmed its readiness to target Mojtaba in any subsequent attacks.
Summary
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei telah resmi diangkat sebagai Pemimpin Tertinggi Iran yang baru pada 8 Maret, menyusul wafatnya sang ayah, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ia menjadi individu ketiga yang memegang posisi penting ini, dengan ayahnya dilaporkan meninggal karena serangan AS-Israel. Segera setelah penunjukannya, Iran meluncurkan rudal ke arah Israel, dengan proyektil bertuliskan, “Siap melaksanakan perintahmu, Sayyid Mojtaba.”
Lahir pada tahun 1969, Mojtaba dikenal dengan sikap tertutupnya namun dianggap sebagai operator kuat di balik layar. Ia adalah seorang konservatif dengan ikatan kuat dengan Garda Revolusi, setelah bertugas dalam Perang Iran-Irak. Penunjukannya terjadi di tengah ancaman dari mantan Presiden AS Donald Trump dan pernyataan Israel yang menegaskan kesiapan untuk menargetkannya.