Iran Appoints Mojtaba Khamenei As Supreme Leader Following Father Ali Khamenei’s Death

Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, marking a major shift in leadership during a period of intense conflict involving the United States and Israel.

The announcement came early Monday in Tehran, just hours after US President Donald Trump warned Washington should have a say in the selection.

The decision signals that Iran's hardline leadership remains firmly in control as the war situation escalates and international tensions continue to rise.

Assembly of Experts Elects Mojtaba Khamenei

The appointment was made by Iran's Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body responsible for choosing the Supreme Leader. Mojtaba Khamenei had long been viewed as one of the strongest contenders due to his influence within Iran's security establishment and his deep connections within powerful economic networks tied to his father.

Announcing the decision shortly after midnight Tehran time, the assembly issued a statement confirming the selection.

"By a decisive vote, the Assembly of Experts appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the third Leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran," the assembly said in a statement issued just after midnight Tehran time.

The role of Supreme Leader places Mojtaba at the very top of Iran's political and religious hierarchy, giving him ultimate authority over the state, the military, and key national policies.

Leadership Change After Ali Khamenei's Death

Mojtaba's rise to power follows the death of his father, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in one of the initial strikes launched against Iran more than a week ago during the ongoing conflict.

Ali Khamenei had led the Islamic Republic for decades and remained the most powerful political and religious figure in the country until his death. His killing marked a dramatic turning point in the conflict and triggered urgent discussions within Iran's leadership about succession.

Trump Warning Ahead of Appointment

The leadership change is expected to further strain relations with Washington. US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that the United States should influence the selection of Iran's next leader.

"If he doesn't get approval from us, he's not going to last long," he told ABC News.

Israel had also issued a warning before the announcement, saying it could target whoever was chosen to lead Iran.

Conflict Intensifies Between Iran, US and Israel

The leadership decision comes amid escalating hostilities between Iran, the United States and Israel. According to the US military, a seventh American soldier has died from injuries sustained during Iran's first counter-attack last week.

Trump had overseen the return of the remains of six other American personnel who were killed earlier in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran's UN ambassador said that the US-Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,332 Iranian civilians and injured thousands more.

Despite mounting casualties, Iran's leadership has rejected calls for a ceasefire. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the country's parliament speaker, stated that Tehran was not seeking an end to the war and vowed that the country would punish those responsible for the attacks.

Israel has continued targeting senior Iranian officials. Among those killed was Abolqasem Babaian, recently appointed head of the military office of the Supreme Leader, who Israel said died in a strike on Saturday.