On March 3, Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader, following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This decision reportedly came under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Assembly’s choice was confirmed by sources cited in the Iran International publication, which noted the influence of the IRGC in the selection process.
“The Assembly of Experts has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the next leader of the Islamic Republic under the pressure of the IRGC,” the report stated.
This leadership change comes just two days after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint airstrike by the United States and Israel on Tehran on March 1. Following his death, a temporary Supreme Leader, Alireza Arafi, was appointed.
On February 28, Israel conducted an attack on the Iranian capital, prompting a significant military response. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the initiation of a “major military operation” aimed at eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militant groups across the region, including in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The IRGC claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as attacked U.S. military bases located in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the escalating conflict, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reiterated its commitment to maintaining regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for the Iranian people, suggesting they deserve the opportunity to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and ensure the safety of nations affected by Iranian aggression.
On February 28, Trump confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a statement later corroborated by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The IRGC announced on March 1 the commencement of what it called the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military installations. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon its plans, threatening a “very strong strike” in retaliation.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating.
Mojtaba Khamenei has been appointed as Iran's new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, amid escalating military tensions with the U.S. and Israel. The situation has drawn international responses, including calls for a UN Security Council meeting.
Source: Iran International