Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Iran’s late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been chosen to take over the role. The decision comes as the war in the region enters its 10th day, with new missile and drone attacks continuing across the Middle East.
Members of the clerical body responsible for selecting Iran’s top leader announced the decision on Sunday. Afterward, several Iranian institutions and political figures — including the foreign ministry and members of parliament — released statements pledging their loyalty to the new leader.
The appointment could increase tensions in the ongoing conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously said Mojtaba Khamenei was the most likely successor and described him as an “unacceptable” choice.
