Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as new supreme leader amid Middle East tension

In an official statement quoted by Tehran Times, the Assembly said: “After careful and extensive deliberations and drawing upon the authority granted under Article 108 of the Constitution, by the decisive vote of the honorable members of the Assembly of Experts, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei (may God protect him) has been appointed and introduced as the third Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We pray to Almighty God for continued grace and favor upon this country and its great people.”

The Official X account of Imam Sayyid Ali Khamenei also confirmed the appointment, stating: “The representatives of the Assembly of Experts have appointed and introduced Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei (may God protect him) as the third Leader of the Sacred Islamic Republic of Iran under Article 108 of the Constitution.”

Born in 1969, Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly served in the Iran–Iraq War from 1987 to 1988.

He has also been linked to oversight of the Basij militia, which played a role in suppressing protests following Iran’s disputed 2009 presidential election, according to Pantheon World.

Over the years, he is believed to have wielded significant influence within Iran’s political establishment, particularly through his ties with the IRGC.

Following the announcement, supporters of the regime took to the streets across Iran to celebrate the election of the new supreme leader.