Reports claim Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s will opposed his son Mojtaba becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader, even as he rises to power with IRGC backing after the recent conflict.
Reports claim Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s will opposed his son Mojtaba becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader [Photo: X]
Iran’s political landscape has entered a new phase after Mojtaba Khamenei emerged as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The leadership change comes during a period of heightened tensions in the Middle East and has drawn global attention.
While Mojtaba has now assumed the most powerful role in Iran, reports have surfaced claiming that his father may not have supported the idea of his succeeding to the position. Allegations about the contents of Ali Khamenei’s will have added fresh controversy to the transition of power.
The development has triggered debate about the influence of Iran’s military institutions, the internal decision-making process within the clerical establishment, and what Mojtaba’s leadership could mean for Iran’s future.
Claims circulating in international media suggest that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei may have opposed his son’s succession to the role of Supreme Leader. According to analysts linked to Iranian opposition circles, the late leader reportedly made his position clear in his will.
“In Khamenei’s will, he explicitly asked Mojtaba not to be named as successor,” Khosro Isfahani, a research director for the opposition group National Union for Democracy with ties to Iranian intelligence, was quoted as saying by The New York Post. Isfahani further said that Mojtaba has been ‘nothing without his father’s name’.
These claims have intensified discussions about whether Iran’s leadership transition followed the wishes of its longtime leader. Iranian authorities have not publicly confirmed the contents of the will, leaving the matter open to interpretation.
Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, is the second son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and has long remained an influential figure within Iran’s political and religious establishment. Unlike many prominent leaders, he has never held elected office or publicly campaigned for political power.
Despite staying largely out of the public spotlight, Mojtaba has been known to wield influence behind the scenes through connections with senior clerics and security institutions.
His rise to the position of Supreme Leader now places him at the centre of Iran’s political system. The Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority over the country’s military, judiciary, and key state institutions. Observers say Mojtaba’s leadership could shape Iran’s domestic and foreign policies for years to come.
Reports about Ali Khamenei’s will have become a major point of discussion since the leadership transition. According to opposition-linked sources, the document allegedly advised against appointing Mojtaba as the next Supreme Leader.
The claim suggests that the late leader may have wanted the selection process to follow a broader clerical consensus rather than passing authority to a family member.
However, the full contents of the will have not been publicly released. Without official confirmation, the reports remain contested. Still, the controversy surrounding the alleged message in the will has added a new dimension to debates about legitimacy and succession in Iran’s political system.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) appears to have played a crucial role in Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise to power. The organisation holds immense influence within Iran, controlling major military capabilities and large segments of the national economy.
Reports suggest that senior IRGC leaders supported Mojtaba’s appointment because they view him as a reliable ally who would continue the policies followed under his father’s leadership.
The IRGC has already pledged loyalty to the new Supreme Leader, reinforcing his authority as he begins his tenure.
Analysts believe this backing could significantly strengthen Mojtaba’s position within Iran’s power structure.
Despite the eventual announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader, reports indicate that the decision was not entirely unanimous within Iran’s leadership circles.
Some senior clerics and political figures reportedly expressed reservations about the move. Their concerns centred on the perception that elevating the son of a former Supreme Leader could resemble dynastic succession.
According to insiders, the announcement of the new leader was delayed for several hours due to internal disagreements during the selection process. Although Mojtaba ultimately secured the position, the reported debates highlight the complexities of leadership transitions within Iran’s political system.
The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei has also prompted strong reactions from international leaders, particularly in the United States.
In a Fox News interview, US President Donald Trump expressed sharp criticism of the leadership change. Trump said he is "not happy" with Iran's selection of a leader and warned about future consequences.
"I don't believe he can live in peace," Trump remarked. Trump also told Axios that Mojtaba taking over as Iran's new leader of ran is “unacceptable” as he expressed a desire for a leader who would "bring harmony and peace to Iran".
Trump remarked that appointing someone who would perpetuate Khamenei's policies would inevitably lead the US back to war "in five years".
Mojtaba Khamenei now takes charge at a critical moment for Iran. The country faces international sanctions, regional tensions, and domestic political pressures. Analysts expect his leadership to maintain many of the strategic priorities established by his father, including Iran’s strong regional posture and strict internal governance.
However, the challenges ahead could test the new leader’s ability to unify different factions within the political system. The coming months may reveal whether Mojtaba consolidates authority smoothly or faces further internal and external pressures.
Before Mojtaba Khamenei was ultimately confirmed as Iran’s Supreme Leader, several influential clerics and political figures were widely discussed as possible successors.
One of the prominent names was Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic. Many analysts believed he could represent a more moderate direction for Iran because of his reform-leaning views and strong religious credentials.
Another potential contender was Ali Reza Arafi, a senior cleric deeply connected to Iran’s religious institutions and the leadership establishment. His role in Iran’s clerical network made him a serious candidate during succession discussions.
Hassan Rouhani was also mentioned by some analysts as a possible compromise figure because of his political experience and role in negotiating Iran’s 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers.
Hard-line cleric Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri was another name circulating within conservative circles. He is known for his strong ideological stance and connections with powerful religious organisations.
