Mojtaba Khamenei, the powerful son of Iran’s slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is alive and widely seen as the frontrunner to succeed his father, according to two Iranian sources who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday. The developments come as the United States and Israel continue relentless military strikes on Iran, and the country grapples with domestic uncertainty following the unprecedented assassination of its top ruler by airstrike.
Funeral Plans in Disarray
Explosions continue to rock Tehran, casting doubt on plans for a state funeral for the elder Khamenei, 86, which had been expected to take place at a major mosque from Wednesday evening. State media reported that the ceremony has been postponed amid the ongoing attacks.
While the U.S. and Israel maintain a round-the-clock campaign, global financial markets have reacted sharply. Asian markets suffered steep losses, including a record-breaking crash in Seoul, though European markets showed tentative recovery amid hopes the conflict could end quickly.
Mojtaba Khamenei: The Likely Successor
The two Iranian sources said Mojtaba, 56, was not in Tehran during the airstrike that destroyed the Supreme Leader’s compound, killing his wife, another son, and several senior officials. He has long been a senior figure in Iran’s security apparatus and the powerful business network controlled by the Khamenei family.
The Assembly of Experts, which selects Iran’s Supreme Leader, stated it would announce its decision soon. “The Supreme Leader will be identified in the closest opportunity, we are close to a conclusion. However, the situation in the country is a war situation,” said Assembly member Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, without naming candidates.
Other potential candidates include Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder and a figure associated with Iran’s sidelined reformist faction. Despite this, Mojtaba remains the clear favourite, signaling that hardliners are poised to retain control.
Israel and U.S. Continue Military Pressure
Israel has declared that any successor of Iran’s clerical regime remains a target. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said, “Every leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime … will be an unequivocal target for elimination.” The campaign continues for a fifth day, with the Israeli military claiming a first-ever downing of a manned Iranian aircraft by an F-35 over Tehran.
U.S. Central Command head Admiral Brad Cooper stated that 50,000 troops, 200 jets, and two aircraft carriers are engaged in “24/7 strikes into Iran from seabed to space and cyberspace.” Cooper emphasized the strategy is “shooting things that can shoot us,” indicating a focus on military capabilities rather than broader regime change for now.
Escalation Spreads Regionally
The conflict has expanded to Lebanon, where Israeli forces are reportedly advancing in southern territory and have urged civilians to evacuate areas south of the Litani River following retaliatory strikes by Hezbollah, Iran’s regional proxy.
In Israel, air-raid sirens have sounded across cities as Iranian missiles are intercepted. Meanwhile, Iran’s attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure in the Gulf have disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments, impacting markets worldwide.
Oil prices have climbed sharply as production in Qatar and Iraq has been curtailed and many vessels halted operations. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim full control over the Strait, warning ships to avoid the waterway. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the Navy could escort tankers if necessary, but analysts caution that risks to both shipping and prices remain high.
Domestic Tension and Global Stakes
The uncertainty over succession, combined with continuing airstrikes, has left ordinary Iranians fearful of protests or demonstrations. Some citizens have openly celebrated the death of Ali Khamenei, while others, wary of militia retaliation, are prioritizing their families’ safety over political expression.
At the same time, President Trump faces domestic political pressure as energy prices rise and the U.S. continues its military engagement abroad, which could influence his party’s standing in upcoming congressional midterm elections.
With information from Reuters.
