Mojtaba Khamenei: Iran’s New Supreme Leader
On March 8, 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the third Supreme Leader of Iran, succeeding his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike in late February.1 This marks the first time in Iran’s history that the leadership has been inherited.3
Early Life and Background
Born on September 8, 1969, Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei is a Shia cleric and the second child of Ali Khamenei.1 He is 56 years old as of March 2026.1 Unlike his father, Mojtaba Khamenei has maintained a low public profile throughout his life, never holding an official government position.3
Military Service and Rise to Influence
Mojtaba Khamenei served in the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s, fighting with the 27th Mohammad Rasulullah Division.1 He was injured during Operation Mersad in 1988.1 He developed close ties with the military services and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during this time.3
From 2008 to 2026, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Supreme Leader for Political and Security Affairs.1 During this period, he became a key figure within the regime, described by American diplomatic documents as “the power behind the cloak” and a “skilled and powerful” figure.2
Appointment and Current Situation
Mojtaba Khamenei was selected by Iran’s Assembly of Experts on March 8, 2026, with a majority of its members voting for his appointment.2 His appointment signals a continuation of his father’s hard-line theocratic rule and a desire to preserve the status quo.2
Following his appointment, Mojtaba Khamenei has remained largely unseen and has not yet made any public statements.4 Reports suggest this is partly to maintain his security and partly due to injuries sustained during the initial attacks on Iran.4 A state channel host referred to him as a “janbaz,” or wounded veteran, reinforcing rumors of his injuries.4
The United States expressed disapproval of the appointment, with President Donald Trump calling it “unacceptable.”3
Family Losses
During the initial attacks on February 28, Mojtaba Khamenei lost his father, Ali Khamenei, as well as his mother and wife.4