Iran has reportedly selected Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as Iran’s next leader, according to Iran International, a Persian-language media outlet linked to opposition groups.
Some reports claim that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is in a coma and critically ill, but no official confirmation has been provided.
Mojtaba may assume leadership even before the death of his 85-year-old father, who is said to be gravely ill.
Ali Khamenei, who became Supreme Leader in 1989 after serving as Iran’s president, is the Middle East’s longest-serving head of state. The report claims that on September 26, 60 members of Iran’s Assembly of Experts convened in a highly unusual and secretive meeting at the elder Khamenei’s request. They were directed to finalize the succession without prior notice and under strict confidentiality.
Although some members initially opposed both the decision and the expedited process, the assembly ultimately reached unanimous agreement, reportedly due to heavy pressure and alleged threats from Khamenei and his representatives.
The decision has been kept under tight secrecy, with members warned of severe repercussions for any leaks. Details of the meeting remained hidden for five weeks.
Concerns about potential protests arise from the undemocratic nature of the process and Khamenei’s apparent pre-selection of Mojtaba. Over the past two years, Mojtaba has been increasingly involved in key decision-making, positioning him as the regime’s de facto successor. Despite his lack of government experience or formal positions, his appointment now appears inevitable.
