'Death To Mojtaba' Chants Ring Out In Tehran As Son Of Khamenei Named Iran’s New Supreme Leader

Last Updated:March 09, 2026, 10:17 IST

Tehran's Ekbatan residents chanted “death to Mojtaba” before Iran’s Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba as the new supreme leader after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death.

Residents in Tehran’s Ekbatan neighbourhood chanted “death to Mojtaba" from their windows early on Monday, shortly before Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, according to a video shared on social media. US-Israel-Iran War LIVE

The appointment comes days after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 during the opening phase of the ongoing war involving the US and Israel. Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, a cleric known for his close ties to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, as his successor.

The younger Khamenei had long been considered a contender for the post despite never holding an elected or formally appointed government position. His elevation, however, appears to have sparked dissent among sections of Iranian society and political figures who have criticised the perceived hereditary transfer of power, comparing it to monarchical rule under the shah, who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Also Read: ‘Not A Good Idea’: US Reacts After Israel Pounds 30 Iranian Fuel Depots In A Day

Authorities have not commented on the chants reported from Ekbatan.

Mojtaba Khamenei takes charge amid escalating regional conflict. Iran has widened its attacks across the Middle East, targeting oil and water facilities in Gulf states. The Revolutionary Guard has launched missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf Arab countries since the elder Khamenei’s death.

The conflict has rattled global energy markets, pushing oil prices above USD 100 a barrel and tightening natural gas supplies after Qatar halted production.

Khamenei is now in command of Iran’s armed forces and will play a key role in decisions related to the country’s nuclear programme. While several nuclear sites were damaged in US airstrikes during the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June, Iran still possesses highly enriched uranium that is close to weapons-grade levels.

Also Read: Trump’s ‘Roaring Economy’ Promise Meets Reality As Iran War Lifts Oil And Gas Prices | Explained

Israel has described Mojtaba Khamenei as a potential target. President Trump has also criticised his elevation.

“Khamenei’s son is unacceptable to me," Trump said. “We want someone that will bring harmony and peace to Iran."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump told ABC News on Sunday that any new Iranian leader “is not going to last long" without his approval.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have expressed support for the new supreme leader. Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani said the Assembly of Experts “courageously" convened despite ongoing airstrikes and said Mojtaba Khamenei “can handle this situation."

Also Read: Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei? Son Of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Is Iran’s New Supreme Leader

The broader conflict has killed at least 1,230 people in Iran, 397 in Lebanon and 11 in Israel, according to officials. Seven US service members have also been killed, including one who died of injuries sustained in an Iranian attack on troops in Saudi Arabia on March 1.

As hostilities continue, several US diplomatic missions across the region have ordered nonessential staff and families to leave, and Gulf nations have reported attacks on oil and desalination facilities, heightening concerns over energy supplies and regional stability.

News world 'Death To Mojtaba' Chants Ring Out In Tehran As Son Of Khamenei Named Iran’s New Supreme Leader

Read More