Iran’s clerical leadership body has called on citizens to support Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of Iran, urging national unity at what it described as a critical moment for the country.
In a statement carried by state media, the assembly urged Iranians—especially intellectuals in seminaries and universities—to pledge allegiance to Mojtaba Khamenei and rally behind the leadership to safeguard the stability of the Islamic Republic.
His emergence as supreme leader follows the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for nearly four decades before he was killed in a strike on Tehran during the early stages of the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The succession marks the first time since the existence of the Iranian Revolution when the country’s supreme leadership has effectively passed from father to son. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump criticised the appointment, describing Mojtaba Khamenei as an “unacceptable” choice and warning that Iran’s next supreme leader might not last long without international approval.
However, the appointment was welcomed by some of Iran’s regional allies, including the Houthi movement, which congratulated Iran’s leadership and described the selection of Mojtaba Khamenei as a victory for the Islamic Revolution and a setback for the country’s adversaries.
