Israeli assessments currently say that the ostensible new Iranian supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the previous leader, is still alive.

Israeli assessments currently say that the ostensible new Iranian supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the previous leader, is still alive.

Israeli intelligence assessments indicate that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, remains alive and is widely regarded as the leading candidate to succeed his father as Iran’s new supreme leader. Despite ongoing strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces, no official announcement has been made by Iranian authorities, though Western media and analysts suggest his ascension is likely. Mojtaba, a 56-year-old mid-ranking cleric with deep ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has long operated in the inner circle of power, influencing policy without holding formal office.

His potential leadership would likely reinforce hardline economic and foreign policies, including resistance to international negotiations and continued reliance on the IRGC’s economic networks. Reports indicate Mojtaba has amassed significant wealth through state-linked foundations and business interests, with connections to sanctioned entities such as Bank Ayandeh, whose collapse exacerbated Iran’s inflation crisis. U.S. sanctions imposed in 2019 highlight concerns over his role in destabilizing regional economies.

The transition remains shrouded in uncertainty, with Iran’s Assembly of Experts—responsible for selecting the next supreme leader—reportedly deliberating virtually amid bombing campaigns. A three-member interim council, including hardline figures, now oversees governance. Analysts suggest Mojtaba’s appointment would signal entrenched IRGC influence, potentially prolonging economic isolation and limiting prospects for diplomatic relief. The lack of transparency in Iran’s leadership process further complicates market assessments, as investors weigh geopolitical risks against the regime’s capacity to sustain its current economic trajectory.