Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei – Likely To Be Iran’s Next Supreme Leader?

Iran’s Supreme Leader 85-year-old Ali Khamenei is allegedly suffering from a severe illness and will soon step down from his position, naming his son Mojtaba Khamenei to be his successor, reported Iran International.

On September 26, 60 members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts were convened at the request of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who instructed them to make an immediate and confidential decision regarding his succession, according to reports.

In a unanimous vote, the assembly selected Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, as his successor. However, members reportedly opposed both the decision and the process, but were pressured by Khamenei and his representatives, with some reports alleging that direct threats were used to sway their choice, as reported by News18.

Here’s everything we know about the potential successor to Iran’s highest position, Mojtaba Khamenei:

Personal life

The second son of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba, was born in Mashhad in 1969. He studied theology under the wing of his father and other influential teachers and became a cleric. He continues to teach theology at the Qom seminary now as well.

He also has three children with his spouse Zahra Haddad-Adel.