Iran’s Supreme Leader, 85-year-old Ali Khamenei, is reportedly suffering from a serious illness and will soon leave office, naming his son Mojtaba Khamenei as his successor. Iran International.
On September 26, 60 members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts were convened at the request of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who instructed them to make an immediate and confidential decision on his succession, reports show.
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The meeting unanimously elected Khamenei’s son Mojtaba as his successor. However, the members were reportedly against both the decision and the process, but were pressured by Khamenei and his representatives, with some reports claiming that direct threats were used to influence their choice, as reported by News18.
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Here’s everything we know about the potential successor to Iran’s top position, Mojtaba Khamenei:
Personal life
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s second son, Mojtaba, was born in Mashhad in 1969. He studied theology under the guidance of his father and other influential teachers and became a cleric. He now also continues to teach theology at the Qom Seminary.
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He also has three children with his wife Zahra Haddad-Adel.
Role in the 2009 elections
Mojtaba was a supporter of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the 2005 and 2009 Iranian elections, and is also believed to have played a role in the latter’s victory in 2009.
Following Ahmadinejad’s victory, protests broke out in June 2009, with Mojtaba reportedly leading those who suppressed the anti-government protests.
However, relations with Ahmadinejad later deteriorated after he accused Mojtaba Khamenei of embezzling money from the public treasury.
The next Supreme Leader
While speculation continues about his role as Iran’s next Supreme Leader, following in his father’s footsteps, he may face some dissent from the Assembly of Experts, even if it is largely a ceremonial organ.
Mojtaba is also said to have access to large-scale financial assets. However, The Guardian, believes his political appeal was not enough to secure him a position as the next Supreme Leader.
