Iran International reported that Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, son of Ayatollah Khamenei, has been chosen as Iran’s next Supreme Leader.

The reports said the 56-year-old Mojtaba, the second‑eldest son of Ayatollah Ali Khamene, was chosen by Iran’s Assembly of Experts as his successor.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, is seen as a powerful but private figure who has worked largely behind the scenes in his father’s regime, with influence rooted in the networks built by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei before the latter was killed in US–Israeli strikes on Iran.

Mojtaba Khamenei is recognized for his strong connections with the Revolutionary Guard, which, according to three officials, supported his appointment, believing he was qualified to lead Iran during this period of crisis.

The Iranian government reported that Mojtaba Khamenei’s wife, Zahra Adel, his mother, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, and a son were killed along with his father in the strikes on March 28. Dubbed ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ the strikes were carried out following stalled nuclear negotiations and allegations that Tehran had restarted its nuclear program.

(With inputs from agencies)