Iran's civilian and military leadership have officially declared their subordination to the country's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei. Operative Information Center-OMM reports that President Masoud Pezeshkian stated this selection would herald a "new era full of dignity and influence" for the Iranian people.
Mojtaba Khamenei succeeds his father, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 following air strikes conducted by the United States and Israel. According to the Presidential Administration, Pezeshkian described the decision by the Assembly of Experts as a "wise choice," adding: "Under your leadership, Iran will reach bright horizons of sustainable independence, scientific-technological progress, and comprehensive development."
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the election of Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's third Supreme Leader would strengthen national unity. According to the IRNA agency, the minister stated that this choice would ensure the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Meanwhile, Iran's Armed Forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regular army, expressed their full loyalty to the new leader, pledging to obey Mojtaba Khamenei as commander-in-chief "until the last drop of blood." A ceremony of allegiance is scheduled to take place in the capital on Monday.
The transition of power in Iran comes at a period of heightened regional tension following the unprecedented military strikes on the country's leadership. The role of the Supreme Leader is the highest political and religious authority in the Islamic Republic, holding final say over all state matters, including foreign policy and the military. Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late leader, has long been considered a powerful figure within the internal circles of the Iranian establishment.
