Video surfaces of Iranians chanting "Death to Mojtaba" after appointment
What's the story
Around the time Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei was named Iran's new Supreme Leader, residents of Tehran's Ekbatan neighborhood expressed their discontent. An unverified video posted on social media by the London-based Iran International shows women chanting "Death to Mojtaba" from their windows. The Assembly of Experts, the religious body responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader, made the announcement of Mojataba's appointment on Sunday evening.
Twitter Post
Video showing anti-Mojataba Khamenei chants in Tehran neighborhood
People chanted “Death to Mojtaba” from their windows in Tehran’s Ekbatan neighborhood early Monday shortly before Iran's Assembly of Experts announced Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, according to a video shared on social media. pic.twitter.com/nEiM7x7AbM
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) March 8, 2026
Succession details
Mojtaba is third leader since 1979 Islamic Revolution
Mojtaba Khamenei, aged 56, is the third Supreme Leader since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He succeeds his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in joint US-Israel strikes on Tehran on February 28. The new leader's appointment comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations after the assassination of his father.
International response
US threatens action against new Iran leader
US President Donald Trump has reacted to Mojtaba's appointment, saying Washington should have a say in the matter. He told ABC News, "If he doesn't get approval from us, he's not going to last long." However, Trump's initial response to Mojtaba's appointment was noncommittal. He only said, "We'll see what happens." On Sunday, Israel had also threatened action against whoever succeeded Ali Khamenei.
Conflict escalation
Crisis in Middle East after assassination of Ali Khamenei
The Middle East has been plunged into crisis after the US and Israel carried out joint strikes on Iran, killing 86-year-old Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian leaders. In retaliation, Iran has fired missiles at Israel and American military bases in Gulf countries. The conflict has left over 1,300 dead in Iran and more than a dozen in Israel.