Iran’s clerical Assembly of Experts has reportedly elected Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country’s next Supreme Leader following the death of his father, according to sources cited by Iran International.

The selection is said to have been made amid intense pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, marking an extraordinary turn in Iran’s leadership succession that could signal deeper influence by the Guards in the Islamic Republic’s power structures. State media has not yet confirmed the appointment.

“The Assembly of Experts elected Ali Khamenei’s son Mojtaba as the next Supreme Leader,” Iran International reported, citing informed sources.

According to the outlet, Mojtaba, 56, was chosen to assume control of the country. He is the second-eldest son of the late leader and has long been regarded by observers as a potential successor.

His reported appointment could prove politically sensitive. The Islamic Republic has consistently criticised hereditary rule and presented itself as a fairer alternative to monarchy. A transition from father to son would likely raise questions about that principle.

Iran International further claimed that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) exerted significant pressure on the clerical body to support Mojtaba.

“The IRGC heavily pressured the assembled group of clerics to select Mojtaba as the regime’s new leader,” the outlet reported.

The Supreme Leader occupies the core of Iran’s complex power-sharing Shiite theocracy and holds ultimate authority over all matters of state.
The position also includes serving as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the powerful Revolutionary Guard — a paramilitary force designated a terrorist organisation by the United States in 2019. During Ali Khamenei’s tenure, the Guard expanded its influence across Iran’s political, military and economic sectors.

The report stated that Mojtaba maintains close ties with the Revolutionary Guard and is believed to wield considerable influence behind the scenes. He reportedly managed the Office of the Supreme Leader in practice and has been viewed by many analysts as a key power broker within the system.

Mojtaba is described as a mid-ranking cleric who served in Iran’s armed forces during the Iran-Iraq war. He has long been seen as maintaining strong links with the IRGC.