Iran names Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader amid ongoing war with U.S. and Israel

(Horizon Weekly) – Iran’s Assembly of Experts has confirmed the appointment of Ayatollah Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.

The decision follows the death of Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed during the opening phase of the joint U.S.–Israeli military strikes against Iran on February 28. Iranian authorities have declared a 40-day national mourning period.

An oath and public allegiance ceremony for the new leader is scheduled to take place on March 9 at Enghelab Square in Tehran, where residents of the capital are expected to gather to pledge loyalty to Mojtaba Khamenei.

The leadership transition comes as hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel continue. The military campaign, launched jointly by Washington and Tel Aviv, has intensified regional tensions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that any decision to end the war would be taken in consultation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although he indicated that the final decision would ultimately rest with the United States.

Trump has also demanded “unconditional surrender” from Iran, saying that no agreement would be possible without such a step. He further suggested that Washington could play a role in shaping Iran’s future leadership following the conflict.

Iranian officials rejected those remarks. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated that Iran’s internal affairs, including the selection of its leadership, are matters for the Iranian people alone.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which Moscow reiterated its position that military action must cease immediately and that regional disputes should be resolved through political means rather than force.

Pezeshkian thanked Russia for its support and expressed hope that Moscow would use its influence internationally to defend Iran’s rights amid the ongoing military campaign.

The rapid succession of leadership in Tehran and the continuing conflict with the United States and Israel are expected to have significant implications for the stability of the broader Middle East.