Need to know
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, was announced as his father’s successor on Sunday after being appointed by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, with state TV describing him as wounded in the Ramadan war
Everything you need to know as Iran appoints new Supreme Leader
- Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, has been appointed Iran’s new Supreme Leader following his father’s death.
- The second son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was announced as successor on Sunday by the regime’s 88-person assembly. Iranian state TV revealed he was wounded during the “Ramadan war”, though no details were given about his injuries.
- Israel has vowed to “eliminate” whoever succeeded the late Ayatollah. The IDF warned: “The hand of the State of Israel will continue to pursue every successor and every person who seeks to appoint a successor.”
- US President Donald Trump branded Mojtaba a “lightweight” and insisted on American involvement in Iran’s leadership selection. “He’s going to have to get approval from us,” Trump told ABC News.
- Iranian state TV showed crowds celebrating in Tehran streets following the announcement. Supporters chanted “Allahu Akbar, Khamenei Rahbar”, meaning “God is great, Khamenei is the leader”.
- Despite lacking high clerical rank and never holding office, Mojtaba reportedly has support within Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ‘wounded’ in mysterious update
