Iran’s Assembly of Experts agrees on Mojtaba Khamenei as new Supreme Leader

Iran’s powerful clerical body responsible for selecting the country’s top authority has reportedly finalized the choice of a new Supreme Leader, with a formal announcement expected soon, 24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday. 

According to Iranian media reports, members of the Assembly of Experts have largely agreed on a candidate to succeed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, although some procedural and security-related issues still need to be resolved before a formal announcement is made.

 Assembly members Ayatollah Ahmad Alamolhoda and Mohammad Baqir confirmed that the decision has been made, although the official declaration will be issued by the Assembly itself.

According to members of the Assembly, the majority of clerics have agreed on the name of Mojtaba Khamenei, son of slain Ali Khamenei, as the country’s next Supreme Leader.

 Arab media outlets reported that the delay in the official announcement is due to security concerns, while British media also indicated that the Assembly of Experts has already reached a consensus on the leadership transition.

Israeli media reports have similarly claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei has been selected to assume the position of Supreme Leader, although Iranian authorities have yet to formally announce the decision.

The Assembly of Experts is the deliberative body of Iran empowered to appoint, supervise, and discharge the Supreme Leader of Iran.

All directly elected members must first be vetted by the Guardian Council, whose members are, in turn, appointed either directly or indirectly by the Supreme Leader.