{"id":2044,"date":"2026-03-11T01:55:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T01:55:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/?p=2044"},"modified":"2026-03-11T01:55:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T01:55:38","slug":"who-is-irans-new-leader","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/11\/who-is-irans-new-leader\/","title":{"rendered":"Who is Iran\u2019s New Leader?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Ayotallah-Mojtaba-2026-1-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Ayotallah-Mojtaba-2026-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Ayotallah-Mojtaba-2026-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Ayotallah-Mojtaba-2026-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Ayotallah-Mojtaba-2026-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Ayotallah-Mojtaba-2026-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Rohan Gunaratna<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran\u2019s spiritual, political and the military leader of Iran after his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on Feb 28, 2026. Iran&#8217;s top clerical body, the Assembly of Experts, issued a statement shortly after midnight on March 9 in Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Irans-New-Leader-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Irans-New-Leader-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Irans-New-Leader-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Irans-New-Leader-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Irans-New-Leader-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Who-is-Irans-New-Leader.jpeg 1181w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>On Monday March 9, 2026, TASNIM, Iran\u2019s news agency aligned to IRGC published the above photo of the new supreme leader of Iran Mojtaba Khamenei.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Born on 8 September 1969 in the north-eastern city of Mashhad, Mojtaba is the second of Ali Khamenei&#8217;s six children. Educated in theology in the holy city of Qom, his selection could still prove controversial as Mojtaba is only a mid-ranking cleric. He joined the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in 1987 and served in the Iran\u2013Iraq War. He controlled the Basij, the paramilitary force that targeted the protesters in 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"http:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-moment-of-the-declaration-in-Tehran.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The moment of the declaration in Tehran; Mar 9, 2026<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In the opening strike by Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026, Mojtaba lost his father, mother, wife, son, niece, nephew, sister and brother in law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mojtaba was Deputy Chief of Staff to the Supreme Leader (Political and Security Affairs) from 21 August 2008\u2013 8 March 2026. It was a public position but not an official position and he has kept a low profile by neither holding government office nor giving public speeches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He was the key link between the clerical establishment and the IRGC, Iran\u2019s largest military, security and intelligence organisation. Determined to build a functional nuclear weapon, he was close to the leadership of IRGC. This is certified in a US diplomatic cable describing him as &#8220;the power behind the robes&#8221; who was widely regarded as a &#8220;capable and forceful&#8221; figure within the regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"http:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Cluster-warhead-missile-launched-by-IRGC-in-the-skies-of-Israel.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Cluster warhead missile launched by IRGC in the skies of Israel. \u201cIran threaten: &#8220;Tonight will be long for the Israelis who will have to face Ayatollah Mojtaba.&#8221;<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"655\" src=\"http:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-IRGC-wrote-on-the-missiles-that-were-recently-launched-towards-Israel-Labbayk-Seyyed-Mojtaba-1024x655.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2051\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-IRGC-wrote-on-the-missiles-that-were-recently-launched-towards-Israel-Labbayk-Seyyed-Mojtaba-1024x655.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-IRGC-wrote-on-the-missiles-that-were-recently-launched-towards-Israel-Labbayk-Seyyed-Mojtaba-300x192.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-IRGC-wrote-on-the-missiles-that-were-recently-launched-towards-Israel-Labbayk-Seyyed-Mojtaba-768x492.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/The-IRGC-wrote-on-the-missiles-that-were-recently-launched-towards-Israel-Labbayk-Seyyed-Mojtaba.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The IRGC wrote on the missiles that were recently launched towards Israel: \u201cLabbayk Seyyed Mojtaba.\u201d (I\u2019m at your service, Seyyed Mojtaba)\u201d<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The U.S. and Israeli governments have designated Mojtaba as the highest ranking target for elimination. Mojtaba was designated by the U.S. government on November 4, 2019. \u201cThe Supreme Leader has delegated a part of his leadership responsibilities to Mojtaba Khamenei, who worked closely with the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF) and also the Basij Resistance Force (Basij) to advance his father\u2019s destabilizing regional ambitions and oppressive domestic objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"623\" src=\"http:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Asadollah-Badfar-head-of-the-Iranian-Basij-was-eliminated-in-an-Israeli-strike.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2053\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Asadollah-Badfar-head-of-the-Iranian-Basij-was-eliminated-in-an-Israeli-strike.jpeg 720w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Asadollah-Badfar-head-of-the-Iranian-Basij-was-eliminated-in-an-Israeli-strike-300x260.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Asadollah Badfar, head of the Iranian Basij, was eliminated in an Israeli strike on Mar 9, 2026.  The Basij is the regime\u2019s main internal militia. Founded by Ayatollah Khomeini in 1979, it operates under the IRGC and serves as a nationwide network of loyalists used to suppress protests, enforce the regime\u2019s ideology, and control the population. The Basij became infamous for its brutal crackdowns on demonstrators, especially during the protests of 2009, 2019, and 2022.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The IRGC-QF is designated pursuant to Treasury\u2019s counterterrorism authority (E.O. 13224) and as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, while the Basij is designated pursuant to both E.O. 13224 and Treasury\u2019s human rights designation authority (E.O. 13553).\u201d<a id=\"_ftnref1\" href=\"#_ftn1\">[1]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the announcement of the new leader on March 9, 2026, the residents of Tehran were divided. Some support Ayatollah Mojtaba and others started to chant &#8220;Death to Mojtaba.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Revolutionary Guards in an official statement: \u201cReady to obey fully and sacrifice ourselves at the command of the Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The appointment of Mojtaba has already heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. Furthermore, the oil and gas prices have spiked following the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The US and Israel continued to strikes regime targets in Iran, Mar 9, 2026, IDF stated: The IDF struck missile launch sites and Basij and Internal Security command centers. The IDF continues to deepen the damage to all arrays and capabilities of the Iranian terror regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>President Trump has issued a stark warning to Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran\u2019s newly selected Supreme Leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s going to have to get approval from us\u2026 If he doesn\u2019t get approval from us, he\u2019s not going to last long.\u201d Trump made the remarks in an interview while discussing the succession crisis in Tehran following the death of Iran\u2019s previous Supreme Leader during U.S.\u2013Israeli strikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"694\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/President-Trump-statement-on-Strait-of-Hormuz-694x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2055\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/President-Trump-statement-on-Strait-of-Hormuz-694x1024.jpeg 694w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/President-Trump-statement-on-Strait-of-Hormuz-203x300.jpeg 203w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/President-Trump-statement-on-Strait-of-Hormuz-768x1133.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/President-Trump-statement-on-Strait-of-Hormuz.jpeg 868w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 694px) 100vw, 694px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far. Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again \u2014 Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them \u2014 But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen! This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Israeli Air Force, acting on IDF intelligence, completed an additional wave of strikes on infrastructure across Iran belonging to the Iranian regime. As part of the strikes, the IDF struck a rocket engine production facility and several long-range ballistic missiles launch sites that were prepared for launch toward the State of Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simultaneously, the IDF continues to deepen the damage to military infrastructure belonging to Internal Security and the Basij, among the infrastructures struck were: The headquarters of the Iranian regime&#8217;s regional corps, the Internal Security forces command center of the Iranian regime in Isfahan, an additional base used by the IRGC and Basij, and the IRGC&#8217;s police headquarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"http:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/factory-producing-Iranian-drones-in-Isfahan-Iran-was-destroyed-in-an-Israeli-Air-Force-attack.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A factory producing Iranian drones in Isfahan, Iran was destroyed in an Israeli Air Force attack; Mar 10, 2026<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Internal Security and Basij forces constitute part of the Iranian armed forces that are subject to the Iranian terror regime, and have for years advanced terror activity. The forces constitute a central arm in the repression of the Iranian civilian population and are responsible for the use of brutal and systematic violence against it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The strikes were completed as part of the phase of deepening the damage to the core arrays and foundations of the Iranian regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video\"><video controls src=\"http:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/In-Bradford-a-tribute-to-the-Former-Supreme-Leader-of-Iran-Ali-Khamenei-took-place.mp4\"><\/video><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em> In Bradford, a tribute to the Former Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei took place. Speaking to the crowds the preacher Sayed Haidar Hassanein says &#8220;Every one of you is part of this legacy&#8221;.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After Khamenei\u2019s death, there was no significant change in the policy and strategy of the new leadership. The Iranian regime continued to strike the neighbouring countries. The U.S. and Israel also responded with strikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The future leadership of Iran is now unfolding under the shadow of an escalating war.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8212;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/rohangunaratna\/\">Prof. Rohan Gunaratna<\/a> is editor of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.worldscientific.com\/worldscibooks\/10.1142\/12861#t=aboutBook\">Handbook of Terrorism in the Middle East<\/a>. He was visiting fellow of Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He travelled extensively in the Middle East including a brief visit to Tehran.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"#_ftnref1\" id=\"_ftn1\">[1]<\/a> Treasury Designates Supreme Leader of Iran\u2019s Inner Circle Responsible for Advancing Regime\u2019s Domestic and Foreign Oppression, https:\/\/home.treasury.gov\/news\/press-releases\/sm824<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as Iran\u2019s spiritual, political and the military leader of Iran after his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on Feb 28, 2026. Iran&#8217;s top clerical body, the Assembly of Experts, issued a statement shortly after midnight on March 9 in Iran. In this article, I outline his background and probable course of action.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2065,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[55,28],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2044"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2066,"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2044\/revisions\/2066"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2065"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2044"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2044"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rohangunaratna.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2044"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}