'Don't make son leader': What Khamenei allegedly wrote in will
What's the story
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was appointed despite opposition from his late father, a new report has claimed. Experts told The New York Post that the assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was so opposed to his son succeeding him that he even included it in his will. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly pressured the Assembly of Experts to appoint Mojtaba after his father's assassination in airstrikes earlier this month.
Experience doubts
'Mojtaba an impotent young cleric'
Khosro Isfahani, a research director for the National Union for Democracy, told the tabloid, "Mojtaba is an impotent young cleric who has achieved nothing in terms of political life." He added that Mojtaba had been dependent on his father's name all these years. He said despite not winning a majority vote from the Assembly of Experts, the IRGC ensured Mojtaba's appointment as Supreme Leader. "There was lot of pushback against him, but under pressure from the IRGC, he was named...successor."
Global dissent
Trump calls Mojtaba 'unacceptable' choice
President Trump had also opposed Mojtaba's appointment, calling him an "unacceptable" choice. Trump said he wasn't happy with the decision and emphasized that no one would rule Iran without his approval. He demanded a leader who would bring harmony and peace to Iran. Reports suggest that Trump is even willing to assassinate Mojtaba if he doesn't comply with certain US demands, including abandoning Iran's nuclear weapons program.
Background check
Speculation on Mojtaba's future as Supreme Leader
Mojtaba, who is 56 years old, has never held a government position but has been a key figure in his father's regime. He was once dubbed "the power behind the robes" in leaked US diplomatic cables. His appointment is seen as a message to the West that Iran's objectives remain unchanged despite recent attacks. At least 49 other high-ranking Iranian officials were killed in the joint US-Israeli airstrike. Mojtaba's mother, wife, and son were among those killed.