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Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been chosen as Iran's new supreme leader. The announcement by the clerical body comes as the war enters its 10th day, with fresh missile and drone strikes occurring across the Middle East.
🚨 BREAKING: Iran names Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader after the death of Ali Khamenei. pic.twitter.com/QNGaT8IS7I
— World War 3 (@Worldwar_3_) March 10, 2026
Why was Mojtaba Khamenei selected as supreme leader?
Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, Iranian officials moved swiftly to welcome his 56-year-old son to the position. While Mojtaba has never held elected office, he gradually became an influential presence inside his father's office. State media reported that the leadership of Iran’s armed forces and the Revolutionary Guards pledged their allegiance to him.
How is Donald Trump reacting to the new supreme leader?
US President Donald Trump called Mojtaba Khamenei an "unacceptable" choice and warned that he is "not going to last long" without US approval. In a recent interview, Trump also stated that any decision on when to end the war would be a "mutual" one made alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
What is the impact on global oil prices and the Strait of Hormuz?
The geopolitical instability has caused oil prices to surge more than 25%, hitting their highest levels since mid-2022. Major Middle Eastern oil producers have cut supply because they cannot safely send shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The strait was largely closed after Iran attacked at least five ships, choking off a critical artery that accounts for about 20% of global oil and LNG supply. For a detailed breakdown of this global chokepoint, see the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) report.
FAQs: Understanding the Iranian Leadership Transition
Is this the first hereditary succession in Iran?
Yes, Mojtaba Khamenei’s elevation marks the first time since the 1979 Islamic revolution that the supreme leadership has passed from father to son.
What military actions followed the announcement?
The Israeli military launched strikes targeting regime infrastructure in central Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Iran and its proxies launched drone and rocket strikes targeting US facilities in Iraq, as well as sites in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
How did regional allies react?
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are backed by the Iranian regime, welcomed the appointment and congratulated Iran on the selection.
Who is Mojtaba Khamenei?
Born in 1969 in Mashhad, he is a 56-year-old cleric who cultivated close relationships with conservative clerics and the Revolutionary Guards. You can read more about his background in this comprehensive profile.