Assembly of Experts

The Assembly of Experts is an 88-member clerical body in Iran responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader. Following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in February 2026, the Assembly convened and, according to reports, decisively voted to appoint his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. This decision is newsworthy due to the ongoing war between Iran and the US/Israel, which began with strikes on Tehran. Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment signals a potential continuation, and possibly hardening, of existing policies toward the US and Israel. The Assembly's choice is seen by some as a move to ensure stability and continuity within Iran during a time of crisis, while others view it as injecting unpredictability due to Mojtaba's relative inexperience. The selection has drawn criticism from figures like Donald Trump and is being closely watched by countries like China, who see it as crucial for maintaining ties with Iran.