Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has long been viewed as a potential successor to his father — even before an Israeli airstrike at the outset of last week’s war killed the 86-year-old cleric. Observers have likened Mojtaba’s behind-the-scenes role to that of Ahmad Khomeini, son of Iran’s first supreme leader Ruhollah Khomeini — acting as confidant, gatekeeper and power broker. He has reportedly maintained close ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, including its elite Quds Force and the Basij militia, which has suppressed domestic protests. The next supreme leader will take office amid heightened regional tensions following a 12-day conflict with Israel and broader US-Israeli efforts aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities. As the highest authority in Iran’s Shiite theocratic system, the supreme leader holds ultimate decision-making power, serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and oversees the Revolutionary Guard.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 04, 2026 12:56 UTC