Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father as Iran’s supreme leader

BBC:

Mojtaba Khamenei will replace his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Iran’s new supreme leader.

A statement by the Assembly of Experts – an 88-member clerical body tasked with selecting the supreme leader – was read aloud by a presenter on state TV.

Mojtaba Khamenei takes over from his father – who was killed in the first wave of US and Israeli strikes last week – as the country’s spiritual leader and highest authority.

Many expect Mojtaba Khamenei to continue his father’s hardline policies.

The presenter on state TV announced the decision, saying that it came “despite the acute wartime conditions and the direct threats of the enemies against this popular institution”.

The Assembly of Experts “did not pause even for a moment in the process of selecting and introducing the leadership of the Islamic system”, he added.

The presenter then shouted “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Khamenei is the leader”.

The US and Israel are yet to comment on the decision, but both governments are likely to object to the appointment.

US President Donald Trump said he wanted to play a role in the selection of Iran’s new leader.

While he signalled he would be open to someone linked to the old leadership taking over, he has made clear his opposition to Mojtaba Khamenei.

“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me,” Trump said earlier this week.

Just hours before the appointment, Trump said that, without his approval, whoever takes over is “not going to last long”.

Israel issued a warning before Khamenei’s second son was confirmed as the new supreme leader – saying that they will “continue to pursue every successor” to the late ayatollah.