Iran has appointed a new Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in a joint U.S.–Israeli airstrike on February 28, 2026. The strike marked a major escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict often referred to as the 2026 Iran War. After several days of uncertainty and security concerns surrounding the Assembly of Experts, Iranian officials confirmed that a successor had been chosen to lead the country during the current geopolitical crisis.
The Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the former leader, as Iran’s third Supreme Leader. Iranian state outlets and multiple international news agencies reported that he secured a decisive majority vote, though the official announcement was delayed until late Sunday. Senior Iranian figures, including Security Council Chairman Ali Larijani, urged national unity and emphasized that the leadership transition demonstrates political continuity. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also pledged full loyalty to the newly appointed leader.
Mojtaba Khamenei, born in 1969, has long been considered an influential but low-profile figure within Iran’s political and security circles, often operating behind the scenes within his father’s office. His appointment is widely interpreted as a continuation of the existing power structure within the Islamic Republic. The development has drawn strong reactions internationally, with the United States and Israel criticizing the decision while regional powers warned that tensions in the Middle East could escalate further. Meanwhile, Iranian officials framed the leadership change as a symbol of stability and resistance amid ongoing conflict.