World 0

04.03.2026.

7:15

Who is Iran's new Supreme Leader: Son of the slain Khamenei takes the throne; Has access to Swiss bank account

Mojtaba Khamenei (56), the second-oldest son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been chosen as the new Ayatollah and Supreme Leader of Iran.

Izvor: Time, The Economic Times

Who is Iran's new Supreme Leader: Son of the slain Khamenei takes the throne; Has access to Swiss bank account
Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Podeli:

Mojtaba Khamenei is a mid-ranking cleric who reportedly has close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the country’s most powerful military body, as well as the paramilitary militia Basij. He served in the armed forces during the Iran–Iraq War.

According to earlier reports from Bloomberg, Mojtaba manages an investment empire, with sources claiming he has access to bank accounts in Switzerland and properties in the U.K. worth over $100 million.

On the U.S. sanctions list since 2019

He has maintained this wealth despite U.S. sanctions imposed on him in 2019. Mojtaba largely stays out of the public eye and has never held an official state position, but he is believed to wield significant influence over the Iranian administration.

A New York Times report noted that Ali Khamenei identified three senior clerics last year as potential successors, and Mojtaba was not among the names in the shortlist.

 

The Associated Press (AP) noted that Mojtaba’s selection could prove problematic, as Iran has long criticized hereditary succession and presented itself as a more just alternative.

Sources cited by Time indicate that the late Ali Khamenei opposed his son’s candidacy to avoid accusations of introducing hereditary rule, which, according to many Iranians, would undermine the 1979 revolution that abolished the dynastic system.

Who is Iran
EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

The Washington-based Middle East Institute noted that even with the death of top leaders, regime change is not guaranteed. It stated that Ali Khamenei favored hardline figures to protect the direction of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Legal and religious obstacles in leadership transfer

Despite reports of his selection, analysts point to constitutional and religious challenges. The Middle East Institute explained that the constitution requires the Iran Leadership Council  to appoint a leader with political experience. Mojtaba has never held a formal political position in the regime, which could weaken his legitimacy.

The Shiite Islamic tradition also discourages hereditary succession of the Supreme Leader. The role is not meant to be passed through a bloodline, except for the twelve divinely appointed Imams.

Podeli:

0 Komentari

Možda vas zanima

Podeli: