By A Correspondent -TEHRAN – Iran has moved swiftly to install Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, in a joint United States and Israeli strike.

The development comes after U.S. President Donald Trump authorized the high-risk operation targeting the Iranian leadership, a move widely viewed by supporters as a bold attempt to dismantle the power structure behind Tehran’s military and nuclear strategy.

Iran’s powerful Assembly of Experts moved quickly to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, as successor, ensuring continuity within the Islamic Republic’s leadership.

The younger Khamenei has long been regarded as an influential figure within Iran’s political and security circles, maintaining close links with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Analysts say the appointment demonstrates the significant pressure Iran now faces after the strike that removed one of the Middle East’s most powerful figures.

“It shows the leadership was forced to react quickly to maintain stability after a major blow,” said Middle East analyst Alex Vatanka.
Under Iran’s political system, the supreme leader wields ultimate authority over the country’s military, foreign policy, and nuclear program, meaning Mojtaba Khamenei now holds the most powerful position in the Islamic Republic.

Observers believe his leadership will likely focus on consolidating power internally while strengthening ties with the Revolutionary Guards, which play a central role in Iran’s security apparatus.

For supporters of Trump, the operation that removed Ali Khamenei is seen as a demonstration of decisive leadership aimed at challenging Iran’s regional influence and signaling that Washington is prepared to confront Tehran’s power structure directly.
With a new leader now in place in Tehran, attention is turning to how Iran will respond and whether the change in leadership will reshape the ongoing tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.