Amid reports of Iran's Supreme Leader's ill health, his son Mojtaba Khamenei is, reportedly, set to take over the position.
Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Over the past two years, Mojtaba's growing influence within the regime has been evident.
Though he has not made many public visits, he plays a commanding role in the Office of the Supreme Leader.
He is recognised for his alleged role in suppressing the 2009 post-election protests. In 2021, he was granted the title of Ayatollah, fulfilling the constitutional requirements for the role of Supreme Leader.
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Born in 1969, Mojtaba joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) after finishing secondary school in 1987. He served in IRGC at the close of the Iran-Iraq War.
At the beginning of the 21st century, he enjoyed strong connections not only within the IRGC but also with Iran's top clerics.
The decision of Khamenei's successor was reportedly taken during a secretive meeting of the Assembly of Experts. The secret meeting was held in September at the request of the 85-year-old leader. The 60-member assembly allegedly faced significant pressure to reach a unanimous decision, including threats from Khamenei and his representatives.
The Iran International report says the decision was kept secret to avoid public backlash. "The assembly resolved to maintain maximum secrecy over the decision due to fears of widespread public protests," it stated.
Many reports that circulated on social media suggested that the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has fallen into a coma. Hours after the reports, Iran released pictures of the Supreme Leader with Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, on Sunday.
According to sources, the report claims Khamenei plans to transfer power to his son while still alive to ensure a smooth transition and avoid opposition.