What to know as a son of Iran’s late supreme leader is a possible candidate to replace his father

Associated Press (AP)EN 6 min read 100% complete by By JON GAMBRELLMarch 6, 2026 at 08:53 AM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a potential candidate to succeed his father as the country's paramount ruler. He was considered a contender even before his father's death in an Israeli strike last week. Despite this, Mojtaba has never held an elected or appointed government position. He is described as a secretive figure within the Islamic Republic. Mojtaba Khamenei has not been seen publicly since the Israeli airstrike that killed his 86-year-old father. The circumstances surrounding the succession remain unclear.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Quds Day ×235% Tehran ×240% Islamic Republic 50% Israel ×270% Iran ×480% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ×585% Mojtaba Khamenei ×795%

Keywords

succession 90% mojtaba khamenei 80% supreme leader 80% iran 70% israeli strike 60% ayatollah ali khamenei 60% paramount ruler 50% government position 40%