Israel Iran War · 4 March 2026
Mojtaba Khamenei contender for Iran leader, succession frowned upon.
Erfan Kouchari via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is considered a contender for the leadership position. His extensive influence is widely acknowledged, especially within the IRGC. However, a father-to-son succession is generally frowned upon in Iran, particularly following the 1979 toppling of the monarchy. This sentiment presents a hurdle to his potential rise to power.
Reported by Al Jazeera · How we write briefs