Mojtaba Khamenei becomes Iran’s new supreme leader as reactions divide public
Tehran: Iran’s clerical establishment has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, succeeding his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of the war involving the United States and Iran.
The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader, confirmed Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment. Soon after the announcement, pro-establishment supporters gathered in several cities to celebrate the decision.
State television aired footage of rallies in Tehran, the religious city of Qom, and Mashhad, Mojtaba Khamenei’s birthplace. Crowds waved Iranian flags, displayed portraits of the new leader alongside his late father, and chanted slogans supporting the continuation of the Islamic Republic’s leadership.
Supporters said they believed the leadership transition would maintain political stability. One woman speaking to state television praised the decision and thanked the Assembly of Experts, saying the country remained under divine protection.
Similarly, another supporter said Mojtaba Khamenei was the most suitable candidate and closely resembled his father’s leadership style.
However, the new leader has not yet made a public appearance or delivered a speech following his appointment.
Meanwhile, critics inside Iran express concerns over future direction
However, not all Iranians welcomed the decision. Several residents told international media that the appointment signaled little hope for political change.
A Tehran resident in his 30s said the Assembly of Experts selected someone closest to the late leader’s ideology, suggesting policies would remain unchanged.
Others voiced deeper concerns about potential repression. A woman in her 20s said she feared Mojtaba Khamenei could adopt even harsher policies than his father.
Meanwhile, videos circulating online showed both supportive rallies and protests, with some demonstrators chanting against the new leader.
Analysts note that Mojtaba Khamenei, long rumored to wield influence behind the scenes, maintains strong ties with Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards and conservative clerical networks.
