Radio National Breakfast Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader?
Mar 9, 2026
Soraya Lennie, Iranian-Australian investigative journalist and author of Crooked Alleys, unpacks Mojtaba Khamenei’s rise from Iran–Iraq war fighter to a security and intelligence powerbroker. She traces his limited religious standing, ultra-hardline ties, role in past crackdowns, public resentment and the opaque wealth surrounding the Khamenei family.
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Power Built In The Deep State
- Mojtaba Khamenei rose through Iran's wartime and security networks rather than public politics.
- He fought as a teenager in the Iran‑Iraq war, joined the Revolutionary Guard and intelligence, and used those long‑standing ties to gain influence.
Long Grooming With Weak Religious Legitimacy
- Mojtaba lacked traditional religious legitimacy for the supreme leader role and was never highly popular as a cleric.
- His name circulated as a successor for about 15 years while efforts were made to bolster his religious credentials.
Hereditary Fears Amid Succession Moves
- Many Iranians resent the idea of hereditary succession and Khamenei himself feared resemblance to the monarchy the revolution overthrew.
- Despite this sensitivity, Mojtaba received support from his father and others to position him for succession.
