Mojtaba Khamenei Appointed Iran's Supreme Leader Amid Health Speculations
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been appointed as Iran's new Supreme Leader following his father's death, with reports indicating he sustained injuries during recent attacks.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has been appointed as Iran's new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on February 28.
Despite his appointment, Mojtaba Khamenei has not made any public appearances, leading to speculation about his health. Alireza Salarian, Iran's ambassador to Cyprus, stated that Khamenei sustained injuries to his legs, arms, and hands and is currently hospitalized. Salarian added, "I don't think he would be comfortable giving speeches in any situation."
Contradicting this, Yousef Pezeshkian, son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, claimed on social media that Khamenei is "safe and in a secure location." Iranian state media briefly acknowledged his injuries but provided no further details.
Mojtaba Khamenei's selection has drawn international attention. U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the appointment, calling Khamenei a "lightweight" and stating that he is "unacceptable" as Iran's leader. Israeli officials have also indicated that any successor to the elder Khamenei would remain a military target.
The Assembly of Experts' decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei, despite his lack of prior public or political roles, underscores his close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His leadership introduces uncertainty regarding Iran's future direction amid ongoing regional tensions.