Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, has been elected as Iran's new supreme spiritual leader, according to reports from the exile media organization Iran International based in London. Despite being the second oldest son of the deceased leader, Mojtaba's public appearances have been rare, and he has previously been prepared for leadership amid suspicions concerning his father’s health.

The decision for Mojtaba's leadership comes from the Assembly of Experts, which is responsible for appointing, overseeing, and potentially dismissing the supreme leader. However, this process allegedly took place under substantial pressure from the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guards, indicating the military's strong influence over the political landscape in Iran.

Previously, analysts from the Middle East Institute in the US had expressed skepticism about Mojtaba's prospects of succeeding his father, suggesting that internal political dynamics and the controversial nature of his candidacy could hinder his ascent. Nevertheless, his prior roles as a politician and religious scholar indicate his deep involvement in the Iranian leadership framework, suggesting a calculated move to ensure continuity of power within the Khamenei family amidst ongoing political volatility in Iran.