Israeli media outlets have claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been elected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
However, Iranian government officials have not officially confirmed the report, leaving the claim unverified.
Assembly of Experts Allegedly Conducted Online Vote
According to Israeli reports, the 88-member Assembly of Experts—the constitutional body responsible for selecting Iran’s Supreme Leader—held an online session to finalize the leadership decision.
The process was reportedly in its final stages when the claim surfaced. The Assembly of Experts consists of 88 senior clerics elected by public vote every eight years and holds exclusive authority over appointing or dismissing the Supreme Leader.
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Reports of Attack on Qom Building
Israeli media also alleged that the Assembly’s building in Qom was destroyed in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. However, reports indicate the building had been evacuated earlier, and no casualties were reported.
No independent confirmation from Iranian or international authorities has validated these claims.
Funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will begin in Tehran at Imam Khomeini Hall before burial in Mashhad. The date of burial in Mashhad has not yet been officially announced.
Iran’s leadership transition process traditionally follows constitutional procedures managed by the Assembly of Experts.
Leadership Transition in Iran
Under Iran’s constitution, the selection of a Supreme Leader is exclusively handled by the Assembly of Experts. The body evaluates candidates based on religious scholarship, political qualifications, and leadership capability.
If confirmed, Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment would mark a historic leadership transition in Iran, potentially reshaping the country’s domestic and foreign policy direction.
At this stage, the claims remain based on Israeli media reports and await official confirmation from Tehran.
