Iran selects Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader, following father’s death in US-Israeli strike.
New Iranian Leadership Selected
Iranian media reported on Sunday evening that Mojtaba Khamenei has been chosen as the new Supreme Leader of Iran. Earlier on Sunday, Mohsen Hejdari, a representative from Khuzestan province in the 88-member Assembly of Experts, stated that the selection was made in accordance with the recommendation of Ali Khamenei, who said his successor should be “hated by the enemy,” not praised by him.
Trump Comments on Iran’s Leadership Transition
When asked about the election of Iran’s new leader, Trump told ABC that whoever it is must “get” U.S. support. The president argued that he wants to avoid having to return to military action in five or ten years, and especially to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “If he doesn’t get (U.S. support), he won’t last too long. We want to make sure we don’t have to come back every 10 years when you won’t have a president like me who would do it,” he added.
Trump’s Statements on Iran’s Nuclear Program
The president declared that “all options are on the table” regarding Iran’s enriched uranium, including the use of special forces to physically seize it. These supplies are reportedly located in deeply buried tunnels in Isfahan, beyond the reach of penetrating bombs. According to the New York Times, U.S. intelligence believes Iran has access to these materials. Enriching uranium from the current 60% to the 90% needed to construct an atomic bomb requires approximately 7-10 days, according to U.S. officials.
Iran Rejects Trump’s Remarks
Iranian authorities rejected Trump’s statements. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in a Sunday interview with NBC that the selection of a new leader is solely the business of the Iranian nation. A person was chosen by majority vote who will continue the path of Imam (Ruhollah) Khomeini (Iran’s first leader) and martyr Imam (Ali) Khamenei. The name Khamenei will remain unchanged. Voting has concluded and the results will be announced soon, Assembly of Experts member Hoseynali Eshkawari reported on Sunday.
Selection Process Details
This suggests that the successor to the Supreme Leader killed in a U.S.-Israeli attack will be his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, who was considered one of the main candidates for the role. Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected a new leader of the state on Sunday, but his name has not yet been announced, members of this body had previously reported. Mohsen Hejdari, a representative from Khuzestan province in the 88-member Assembly of Experts, stated that the selection was made in accordance with the recommendation of Ali Khamenei, who said his successor should be “hated by the enemy,” not praised by him.
