Mojtaba Chamenei, son of the late Iranian leader, was reportedly injured in an American airstrike but remains alive as a potential successor.
American Strike Wounds Mojtaba Chamenei
“The Times of Israel” reported that Mojtaba Chamenei was the victim of an American air strike last week. According to Israeli security officials, the son of the deceased leader is still alive but was wounded. Earlier, media speculated that he might have died.
Chamenei as Iran’s Next Leader?
Journalists state that the second oldest son of Chamenei is the favorite to take his leadership position. Iran International unofficially determined that he has already been elected by the Assembly of Experts. According to reports in The New York Times, however, the clergy have some reservations about announcing their decision.
The announcement could increase the probability that the son of the ayatollah becomes the next target of Israeli and American attacks.
Background on Mojtaba Chamenei
Chamenei’s son is an influential mid-level cleric who opposed the vision of limiting Iran’s nuclear program, according to Reuters. Over the years, he has established close relationships and gained influence among the clergy.
“He has strong support and an electorate in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, especially among younger radical generations,” reported the head of research on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at the American organization United Against Nuclear Iran. As she pointed out, the mere fact that the young Chamenei is alive means there is a high probability that he will succeed in taking on the role of his father.
Israeli Expert Analysis
With Ofer Shelah, head of the national security program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Jerusalem, Marta Urzędowska talks on Wyborcza.pl.
Israeli expert Ofer Shelah commented: “Change of regime in Iran? Very difficult. And Trump likes easy victories.”
