Mujtaba Khamenei, son of Khamenei, was elected as the new supreme leader — Iran International
Unlike Iranian politicians, Mujtaba has kept a low profile, conducting his activities behind the scenes.
According to sources cited by the opposition publication Iran International, the Assembly of Experts of the Islamic Republic of Iran has elected Mojtaba Khamenei to the position of the country's new Supreme Leader.
It is noted that the 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei is the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Over the past decade, he has been openly referred to as the "successor."
Unlike many Iranian politicians, Mojtaba has stayed out of the public eye, conducting his activities in the shadows. He gained experience within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the special services system. Since the mid-2000s, he is said to have controlled the "power bloc," assisting his father with oversight of the army, navy, and air force. Mojtaba is viewed as the architect of the strategy to export the revolution through proxy forces.
Analysts believe that the change of leadership in Iran does not signify a shift in political direction, but rather a change in style. Mojtaba is an advocate of "hybrid warfare" and favors a sharp confrontation with the West. During his tenure, negotiations on the nuclear program could stall or continue under even stricter conditions.
Mojtaba's rise to power may intensify criticisms that the Islamic Republic, established as a revolutionary Islamic system, is evolving towards dynastic rule.
