Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Iran's supreme leader, to succeed his father
What's the story
Mojtaba Khamenei has been appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran, according to state media reports. He succeeds his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial wave of United States and Israeli strikes on Tehran. The US Central Command confirmed that a seventh American service member died from injuries sustained during Iran's initial attack across the Middle East last week.
Background
Who is Mojataba?
Mojtaba is Ali Khamenei's second child among six. He completed his secondary education at the religious Alavi School in Tehran. He also served in the military for several short stints during the Iran-Iraq War, according to Iranian media. In 1999, Mojtaba went to Qom, a holy city recognized as a significant center of Shia theology, to continue his religious studies. It is noteworthy that the BBC reports he did not wear clerical clothing until this period.
Controversial succession
Mojtaba's alleged influence and Trump's role in succession
Mojtaba, 56, has been accused of influencing presidential elections and commanding the Basij militia. Despite his alleged influence, he has never held an official position in the Islamic Republic. His father and predecessor had criticized hereditary succession in the Pahlavi monarchy context. US President Donald Trump said he wanted to play a role in selecting Iran's new supreme leader but opposed Mojtaba's confirmation as successor. "Khamenei's son is unacceptable to me," Trump said earlier this week.
Missile capabilities
Iranian foreign minister responds to Trump's missile claims
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed US President Donald Trump's claims that Iran had missiles capable of hitting Europe. He said that while Iran could build such missiles, they have "intentionally limited" their range to 200km. Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense intercepted a ballistic missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh. The ministry also foiled two drone attacks north of Riyadh city.
Regional tensions
Israeli drone strike in Beirut targets Iranian commanders
An Israeli drone strike targeted Iranian elite Quds Force commanders meeting at a hotel in Beirut, Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry reported casualties from this strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged Iranians to stand up against their regime amid the ongoing conflict. He expressed hope for regime change in Iran during an online address.