Iran's assembly of experts has formally designated Mojtaba Khamenei as the successor to his father, the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after the latter's death due to a U.S. airstrike. On October 8, local time, it was reported by Reuters that Mojtaba Khamenei was selected by the religious body responsible for electing the supreme leader according to Iran's constitution. Known for his close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Mojtaba's rise is seen amidst the backdrop of strong military support, contrasting the Iranian principle of rejecting hereditary power. His appointment indicates a more hawkish stance against the U.S., as he inherits his father's legacy and the IRGC's influence.