Mojtaba Khamenei Named Iran’s Supreme Leader Amidst Escalating Conflict

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of Iran’s late supreme leader, has been named his successor, Iranian state TV announced early Monday, as the war that began a little over a week ago with his father’s killing took a dramatic turn.

Succession Following Assassination

The younger Khamenei, who had not been seen or heard from publicly since the war started, had long been considered a contender for the post, even before an Israeli strike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and despite never being elected or appointed to a government position. His appointment came after signs of a rift among Iranian officials as the country awaited a decision by the Assembly of Experts, a group of clerics that selects the supreme leader. State TV read a statement from the assembly saying he was selected based on “strong” votes and urging the nation to unite behind him. The station broadcast scenes of people celebrating in parts of Tehran.

A Historic Transition

There has been only one other transfer of power in the office of supreme leader since the Islamic Revolution almost a half-century ago. The 56-year-old Khamenei now stands at the heart of Iran’s theocracy and will have final say over all matters of state. He will serve as commander-in-chief of the military and powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, and has authority over a stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

International Reaction

The selection of Khamenei faces the likelihood of U.S. Criticism. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has previously stated, “Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me,” and expressed a desire for a leader who would “bring harmony and peace to Iran.” The White House has not yet issued a comment. Trump also indicated a desire to have a say in the selection process once the war concludes, suggesting a new leader “is not going to last long” without his approval.

However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have issued statements expressing their support for the new leader.

Escalating Regional Conflict and Economic Impact

Top Iranian security official Ali Larijani praised the Assembly of Experts for “courageously” convening even as airstrikes continued in Tehran. He said the younger Khamenei had been trained by his father and “can handle this situation.”

Oil prices surged, surpassing $100 per barrel for the first time in more than three and a half years, as the war impedes regional oil production and shipping. Some regional producers, including in Iraq, have curbed output amid dangers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional Attacks and Displacement

Regional anger is growing, with Bahrain accusing Iran of attacking a desalination plant vital to drinking water supplies, and oil depots in Tehran smoldering following overnight Israeli strikes. Saudi Arabia intercepted a drone attacking the Shaybah oil field, and a military projectile fell onto a residential area, killing two people of Indian and Bangladeshi nationality. As of March 1, seven U.S. Soldiers have been killed in Iranian attacks. The U.S. Military is ordering nonessential personnel and families of staff to leave Saudi Arabia, along with similar orders for eight other diplomatic missions in the region.

The war has resulted in at least 1,230 deaths in Iran, at least 397 in Lebanon, and at least 11 in Israel, according to officials. Israel reported its first soldier deaths Sunday, with two soldiers killed in southern Lebanon during fighting with Hezbollah.

Civilian Infrastructure Under Attack

Bahrain accused Iran of indiscriminately attacking civilian targets and damaging a desalination plant, though its electricity and water authority said supplies remained online. Iran also claimed a U.S. Airstrike damaged a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, cutting water supply to 30 villages, a claim disputed by CENTCOM.

Iranian authorities reported that Israeli strikes on oil storage tankers and a petroleum transfer terminal killed four people. Residents in Tehran described thick smoke that obscured the sun. The Iranian Red Crescent Society warned Tehran residents to seize precautions against toxic air pollution and acid rain, reporting damage to about 10,000 civilian structures, including homes, schools, and health facilities.

Lebanon Faces Humanitarian Crisis

Lebanon reports over a half-million people have been displaced in the week of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The actual number is likely higher, as the figure represents only those who have registered on the government’s online portal.