Iran’s parliament speaker is floated as a possible US contact in talks as war rages

In 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran's Supreme Leader following the death of Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, an event that escalated conflict with Iran. This transition marks a significant and debated succession within the Islamic Republic. A documentary analysis explains Iran's power structure, established after the 1979 revolution by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and later transformed by Ali Khamenei. The Supreme Leader's authority over government, military, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is examined, highlighting the system's intended resilience. The analysis explores the implications of Mojtaba Khamenei's leadership, questioning the future of Iranian governance, the IRGC's influence, and the system's ability to withstand internal and external pressures.

Following the assassinations of Iranian leaders, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a Revolutionary Guards veteran, has become a prominent figure in Iran. Ghalibaf, a long-standing member of the Iranian establishment, is taking a leading role in the country's war efforts. Unlike Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader's son, Ghalibaf has been publicly active, using social media and interviews to communicate Iran's strategy. He has stated that Iran is in an "unequal war" and must utilize its own resources and innovation. Ghalibaf also indicated a shift in strategy after attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure, suggesting a more aggressive "eye-for-an-eye" approach.

According to Iran's IRGC, spokesperson Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naini was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes. The IRGC announced Naini's death on Friday, stating he was killed in a "criminal cowardly terrorist attack." This comes amid escalating attacks and assassinations of senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in late February. Naini's death occurred shortly after he affirmed Iran's continued missile production capabilities on national television. The Israeli army reported carrying out strikes across eastern Tehran as Iran marks the Persian New Year. The recent events have created a somber atmosphere in Tehran.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a death threat against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to statements published by Iranian news agencies on Sunday. The threat comes amid ongoing hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the United States, which escalated after a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran began on February 28. Iran has retaliated with attacks against Israel and US-allied Gulf states. Despite the tensions, Iran's top diplomat stated that the country is open to proposals that would lead to a complete end to the US-Israel war on Iran.

Iranian authorities have arrested dozens of individuals across multiple provinces, accusing them of spying for Israel. The arrests were reported by state media over the weekend, with the Ministry of Intelligence and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) affiliated news agencies announcing the operations. Suspects are accused of providing Israel with sensitive information, including the coordinates of Iranian military sites, economic infrastructure, public places, academic institutions, and research centers. The arrests included a 20-person group in Urmia, a 10-member group in Mazandaran province, and another 10-member network in Khorasan Razavi province. The Iranian government claims these individuals were "enemy operatives" working to undermine national security.

Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in a US-led airstrike on February 28 that killed six of his family members, including his father, Tehran's ambassador to Cyprus has confirmed. The attack occurred at the presidential complex in Tehran during the holy month of Ramadan. Alireza Salarian, the Iranian ambassador to Cyprus, stated that Khamenei was injured in his legs and hand and arm, but is currently in the hospital due to his injuries. The attack also killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's wife, Mansour, and several other family members. Mojtaba Khamenei's injury has prevented him from appearing in public or making statements since he succeeded his father as supreme leader on Sunday. Iranian officials have described the extent of Khamenei's injuries as "lightly injured".

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated on Friday that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is reportedly injured. Hegseth claimed Khamenei's written public address on Thursday indicated fear, injury, and a lack of legitimacy. Hegseth also announced a significant increase in US airstrikes over Iran and Tehran on Friday. Despite Khamenei's defiant statement that the Strait of Hormuz must remain blocked, Hegseth downplayed concerns about its closure. The US pledged to continue escalating attacks against Iran.

In March 2026, Mojtaba Khamenei, the newly appointed Supreme Leader of Iran, issued his first public statement following the assassination of his father and other family members in US and Israeli strikes. The statement, broadcast on state TV, called for national unity and vowed continued resistance against Iran's enemies. Khamenei declared the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and demanded the immediate closure of all US bases in the region, threatening attacks if this demand was not met. He also stated that allied armed groups in Yemen and Iraq would assist in the ongoing conflict. Khamenei thanked the Iranian military and pledged that Iran would continue fighting. His father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed on February 28, and Mojtaba was appointed his successor on Sunday.

Iranian state TV announced on Sunday that Mojtaba Khamenei, a son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been named his successor. Mojtaba Khamenei was considered a potential successor even before his father was killed in an Israeli strike at the start of the war. The strike, which targeted the supreme leader's offices, also killed Mojtaba's wife. Despite being a secretive figure, Mojtaba had long been viewed as a contender for the position. He assumes the role despite never having been elected or appointed to any government position.

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Assembly of Experts has reportedly elected his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba, 56, has been involved in Iranian politics, working in his father's office and developing close ties with the IRGC. He began formal clerical studies in Tehran in 1989. The U.S. sanctioned Mojtaba in 2019 for representing the Supreme Leader in an official capacity without holding an elected government position. Former President Trump expressed his disapproval of Mojtaba's potential succession, stating he was unacceptable. Mojtaba's rise to Supreme Leader comes after his father's death and amidst heightened tensions in the region.

Chinese analysts believe the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader will likely ensure continuity and stability in the country's policies, particularly regarding its relationship with China. Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was confirmed as the new supreme leader by Iran's Assembly of Experts on Monday. Analysts suggest Khamenei may maintain or even harden his father's hardline stance against the US and Israel, potentially driven by personal grievances stemming from the death of his wife during recent US-Israeli military strikes. This continuity is expected to stabilize ties between Beijing and Tehran, as Khamenei assumes ultimate authority over Iranian state affairs, including foreign policy and the nuclear program.

In a recent press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following joint air strikes with the US. Netanyahu stated that Iran has suffered significant blows to its Revolutionary Guards Corps and Basij paramilitary force since the start of the war. He vowed continued attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon after they retaliated for Israel's killing of the previous Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. When questioned about potential actions against Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah's chief, Netanyahu declined to provide specifics but suggested neither should feel secure. He described the new Supreme Leader as a "puppet of the Revolutionary Guards" who is unable to appear in public.

In a news conference on March 12, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is "stronger than ever" amidst its ongoing war with Iran, alongside the United States, which began on February 28. Netanyahu claimed the attacks have severely damaged Iran's nuclear and ballistic projects, killed top nuclear scientists, and inflicted damage on the IRGC and Basij forces. He asserted that the war has prevented Iran from moving its nuclear projects underground. Netanyahu also addressed Iranian protesters, expressing support while emphasizing their role in changing their government. He further stated that the war has enabled Israel to forge new alliances in the region, despite Iranian drone and missile attacks on Gulf countries.

Israeli security sources have stated that Israel's attack on Iran lacked a clear plan for regime change, with hopes of a popular uprising considered unrealistic. Despite nearly two weeks of bombing raids and the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's leadership remains. The success of the conflict may depend on the fate of 440kg of enriched uranium, enough for multiple nuclear warheads, buried under a mountain. Sources say that if the regime survives and retains the uranium, Iran may pursue nuclear weapons. The US is reportedly considering a high-risk mission to secure the uranium, and pre-war negotiations included proposals for Iran to surrender it.

Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is being considered as a possible successor amidst ongoing conflict. The Israeli airstrike that killed his father and wife has elevated his profile, despite his lack of elected or appointed government positions. Mojtaba, a secretive figure, has not been seen publicly since the attack and is believed to be in hiding. His potential succession has been criticized as resembling a hereditary monarchy, a departure from the Islamic Republic's principles. The possibility of Mojtaba Khamenei assuming the role of Supreme Leader is circulating as American and Israeli airstrikes continue in Iran.

In March 2026, Donald Trump stated his desire to be "involved" in choosing Iran's next supreme leader, following the death of Ali Khamenei. Trump voiced opposition to Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, assuming the role. He expressed a preference for a leader similar to Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez, who has allowed US influence in Venezuela after Nicolas Maduro's removal. Trump believes such a leader would be more amenable to US interests. However, analysts note the significant differences between Iran and Venezuela, including Iran's ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, and the religious qualifications required for the supreme leader position. Iranian officials have denied any negotiations with the US.

The article discusses Donald Trump's apparent desire to replicate his "regime capture" strategy, recently employed in Venezuela, in Iran. Following the alleged removal of Nicolás Maduro and installation of a pro-US successor, Trump expressed interest in influencing the selection of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's replacement after the leader's reported death. Trump believes the Venezuela model, which he calls "decapitate and delegate", could be successful in Iran. However, experts doubt the feasibility of this approach, citing key differences between the two countries. They argue that Iran is less likely to become a "pliable puppet regime" due to its geopolitical position and internal dynamics, making direct US influence on leadership selection improbable.

President Trump stated on Thursday that the U.S. should be involved in selecting Iran's next Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In an interview with Axios, Trump deemed Khamenei's son "unacceptable" for the role, drawing a comparison to U.S. involvement in Venezuela. He expressed concern that without a favorable leader in Iran, the U.S. would likely return to war within five years. Trump reiterated his desire for U.S. involvement in choosing Iran's future leader in a separate interview with Reuters, emphasizing the need for someone who will bring peace and be beneficial for the Iranian people and country. He believes this involvement is necessary to avoid repeated conflicts.

On the fifth day of the war between Israel and Iran, Israel launched fresh strikes on Tehran and Beirut, while Iranian missiles targeted US bases in the Gulf. Israeli strikes on Tehran, including police stations and IRGC headquarters, resulted in a rising Iranian death toll, estimated between 800 and 1,500. The US and Israel expressed satisfaction with the war's progress, though their objectives remain unclear. Funerals for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, killed in earlier strikes, began in Tehran as senior clerics convened to select his successor, with Mojtaba Khamenei, Ali Khamenei's son and the IRGC's preferred candidate, being the frontrunner. Analysts suggest his appointment would signal a more authoritarian regime and a larger role for the IRGC.