Who is Mojtaba Khamenei – likely to be Iran’s next supreme leader? | World news

Iran’s Supreme Leader, 85-year-old Ali Khamenei is reportedly suffering from a serious illness and will soon step down from his post and name his son Mojtaba Khamenei to be his successor. Iran International.

On September 26, 60 members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts were summoned at the request of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who instructed them to make an immediate and confidential decision regarding his succession, according to reports.

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In a unanimous vote, the assembly chose Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, as his successor. However, the members reportedly opposed both the decision and the process, but were pressured by Khamenei and his representatives, with some reports claiming that direct threats were used to influence their election, as reported by News 18.

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Here’s everything we know about the potential successor to Iran’s highest office, Mojtaba Khamenei:

Personal life

The second son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba, was born in Mashhad in 1969. He studied theology under the tutelage of his father and other influential teachers and became a cleric. He also continues to teach theology at the Qom seminary now.

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He also has three children with his wife Zahra Haddad-Adel.

Role in the 2009 election

In Iran’s 2005 and 2009 elections, Mojtaba was a supporter of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and allegedly also had a hand in the latter’s 2009 victory.

After Ahmadinejad’s victory, protests broke out in June 2009, with Mojtaba allegedly leading those suppressing the anti-government protests.

However, relations with Ahmadinejad deteriorated later after he accused Mojtaba Khamenei of embezzling funds from the state treasury.

The next supreme leader

As speculation continues about his role as Iran’s next supreme leader, following in his father’s footsteps, he may face some dissent from the Assembly of Experts, even though they are a largely ceremonial body.

Mojtaba also reportedly has access to large financial assets. However, The Guardian, believes that his political moves were not enough to secure him a position as the next supreme leader.