Irans Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei the new supreme leader on March 8, 2026. Moreover, the clerics voted during an emergency session just days after the death of his father.
Cleric Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, assumed the position immediately. He also took command of the armed forces and all key state institutions.
Assembly Confirms Swift Succession
Chairman of the Assembly of Experts Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati led the special session. “By a decisive vote, the Assembly of Experts appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic,” Ayatollah Ahmad Jannati said.
As a result, the body moved quickly to fill the leadership vacuum.
Airstrike Ends Khamenei Era
However, the succession followed the sudden death of Ali Khamenei. Israeli forces carried out an airstrike on his compound in Tehran on February 28, 2026. Consequently, the longtime supreme leader died along with several senior officials.
New Leader Pledges To Continue Policies
Furthermore, Mojtaba Khamenei released his first public statement. “I accept this heavy responsibility and pledge to follow the path of the Islamic Revolution established by my father,” Mojtaba Khamenei stated.
Additionally, he had maintained close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps for many years.
Military and Political Leaders Pledge Support
Therefore, commanders and officials quickly declared their allegiance to the new supreme leader. Moreover, Mojtaba Khamenei called for national unity amid ongoing regional tensions.
Succession Marks Historic Transition
The appointment represented the first direct father-to-son succession in the history of the Islamic Republic. As a result, Mojtaba Khamenei assumed full authority right after the announcement on March 8, 2026. The changes took immediate effect across the country.