In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, Iranian state media announced that the clerical Assembly of Experts has selected Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father, who was killed in airstrikes last week. The body responsible for choosing the supreme leader called on citizens to remain united and pledge allegiance to the new leader.

Mojtaba, a relatively low-profile Shia cleric born in 1969 in Mashhad, has long maintained close ties to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and played an influential behind-the-scenes role in his father’s office. This marks the first time power has passed from father to son in the Islamic Republic since its founding in 1979, potentially consolidating hardline control as the nation faces intense external pressures.

The appointment comes as Iran grapples with the aftermath of devastating military strikes that claimed the life of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures. With strong connections to the IRGC and security apparatus, Mojtaba Khamenei is expected to maintain a firm stance on key issues, including the nuclear program and support for regional proxies.

However, the hereditary succession has drawn international concern, with U.S. President Donald Trump previously deeming such a choice unacceptable and Israeli officials warning they would target regime leaders. Analysts suggest the transition aims to project stability but could escalate tensions in the Middle East as the new leader assumes command of Iran’s armed forces during wartime. Meanwhile, global oil futures have been skyrocketing.

After the new Supreme Leader was chosen, Trump took to Truth Social and said, “Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace. ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY.”

• Who is Iran’s new Supreme Leader? Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with IRGC ties, has been appointed by the Assembly of Experts.
• What happened to the previous Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei? Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes last week, leading to his son’s succession.
• How was Mojtaba Khamenei selected? Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the clerical body for choosing leaders, named him amid calls for national unity.
• What does this mean for the U.S. and the Middle East? The appointment raises concerns in Washington and Jerusalem, with potential for continued or escalated conflict in the region.

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