Mojtaba, the son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been elected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. This decision was made by a council of 88 representatives of the highest Shia clergy, DW sources in the Islamic Republic reported. According to DW sources, the decision to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei was made under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Following the death of Ali Khamenei, Iran has been temporarily governed by a three-member council: President Masoud Pezeshkian, Head of the Judiciary Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Guardian Council member Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had led Iran since 1989. He was killed during a military operation by Israel and the United States against the Islamic Republic, which began on February 28.

In Iran, the country’s spiritual leader, who holds the position for life, is appointed by members of the so-called Assembly of Experts. This state body consists of 88 individuals considered specialists in Islamic law. It is elected by Iranian citizens every eight years. The most recent elections were held in 2024.