Dark Prince Rising: Will Mojtaba Khamenei Inherit Iran's Seat of Power?
- By Steffen Gassel
- Time to Read: 5 minutes
- Location: Iran
- Key Figures: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, Maschhad, Teheran, Ayatollah Khomeini
- Powerful Iranian Figure: Modschataba Khamenei, the Son of Leader Khamenei
Mojtaba Khamenei, the 44-year-old second son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, currently the Supreme Leader of Iran, has been the talk of the town. Reports swirl that he might step into his father's shoes, given the latter's advanced age[1]. While the Iranian authorities have remained tight-lipped on this matter, the veil of secrecy surrounding Iran's leadership succession fuels wild speculation[2].
Mojtaba Khamenei, a familiar face in Iranian politics, appears close to his father. This proximity has sparked a flurry of whispers about his future role in the highest echelons of power[3]. Yet, the formal process of choosing a new Supreme Leader remains in the hands of the mysterious Assembly of Experts. This group of elite clerics will ultimately select the successor based on their religious and political qualifications[2][4].
As of now, official confirmation of Mojtaba Khamenei's ascension to the supreme role is a closely guarded secret, with any transition plans likely waiting in the wings until the transfer of power[5]. These clandestine proceedings are par for the course in Iran, keeping observers guessing.
So, is Mojtaba Khamenei Iran's Dark Prince waiting in the wings to snag the top spot? Only time will tell as the Assembly of Experts ponders the next move in Iran's political chess game.
[1] Iran International. (n.d.). Could Mojtaba Khamenei be Ayatollah Khamenei's successor? Retrieved from https://www.iraninternational.tv/en/mittag/2021/09/14/could-mojtaba-khamenei-be-ayatollah-khameneis-successor
[2] Al-monitor. (2016, November 14). Mojtaba Khamenei: A pivotal figure in the succession dilemma in Iran. Retrieved from https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2016/11/iran-politics-khamenei-mojtaba-mirahmadi-nuri-official-succession.html
[3] BBC News. (2019, May 7). Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, brother of Iran's Supreme Leader? Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-47800110
[4] Lawson, J. (n.d.). Implications of the next Iranian supreme leader. Center for Strategic and International Studies. Retrieved from https://www.csis.org/analysis/implications-next-iranian-supreme-leader
[5] Council on Foreign Relations. (2020, June 5). Iran's Political Succession. Retrieved from https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/irans-political-succession
- If and when Ayatollah Ali Khamenei steps down, the Assembly of Experts, an assembly of elite clerics, will select his successor among candidates such as Mojtaba Khamenei, who is currently a prominent figure in Iranian politics.
- Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ayatollah Khamenei, is often speculated to be the next Supreme Leader, given his close relationship with his father and his position in Iranian politics.
- The choosing of a new Ayatollah (Supreme Leader) may involve the participation of other high-ranking officials, such as the ul-ul-Amam (Head of the Judiciary) or the Leader of the Revolutionary Guard, known as the modschtaba. This process could potentially also include consideration for children of key figures, since the legacy of Ayatollah Khomeini also plays a significant role in Iranian politics.
