Mojtaba Khamenei emerges as potential successor as Iran prepares to name new supreme leader

PTC Web Desk:  Iran may appoint a new supreme leader within the next one or two days, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated, as speculation intensifies over who will succeed the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to multiple media reports, including Iran’s state-affiliated Fars News Agency, Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is among the leading contenders for the country’s top religious and political post. Reports suggest that discussions about positioning him as a successor have been underway for the past two years.

Unconfirmed accounts indicate that Ayatollah Khamenei had designated Mojtaba as a potential successor in 2024, though no formal public announcement was made at the time.

Further reports claim that Iran’s Assembly of Experts — the constitutional body responsible for appointing the Supreme Leader — may have held internal deliberations as early as September 26, 2024, regarding succession planning. It is alleged that around 60 members were consulted in a confidential process to determine the future leadership of the Islamic Republic.

With the passing of Ayatollah Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei is now expected to emerge publicly as a principal candidate for the role. However, no official confirmation has yet been issued by Iranian authorities.