Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as Iran’s new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian media reported that the Assembly of Experts selected him as successor.
Ayatollah Khamenei died on February 28 during joint US-Israeli airstrikes under Operation Epic Fury. The strikes targeted several Iranian cities, including Tehran. He was inside his compound when the attack occurred. His daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter also died. His wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, later succumbed to her injuries.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said authorities will bury him in the holy city of Mashhad. A large farewell ceremony will take place in Tehran. Officials have not announced the burial date.
Khamenei had not publicly named a successor. An interim Leadership Council briefly assumed his duties. The council included Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.
Operation Epic Fury followed stalled nuclear talks and Western claims that Tehran resumed nuclear activities. Iranian officials denied the accusations. The strikes reportedly killed over 700 people.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks across the Gulf. Projectiles struck areas near Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Bahrain. A drone also ignited a fire at the US consulate in Dubai. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed staff remained safe as tensions continued to rise.
