Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the eldest son of Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been selected as the new Supreme Leader of Iran, according to reports from Iran International.
Sources cited by the outlet claim that his selection came under pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Selection by the Assembly of Experts
Under Iran’s constitution, the Supreme Leader is chosen by the Assembly of Experts, a body made up of 88 clerics who are formally elected by the public every eight years. However, only candidates considered fully loyal to the Islamic Republic can run for the position, according to reports by Panorama.
The same body previously selected Ali Khamenei as Supreme Leader in 1989, following the constitutional process that requires a successor to be appointed as quickly as possible after the position becomes vacant.
Security Tensions Could Delay Formal Procedures
Despite the reported selection, convening all members of the Assembly immediately may prove difficult due to the current security situation, as the country is facing military strikes involving the United States and Israel.
These circumstances could delay the formal confirmation procedures at a time of heightened uncertainty.
According to the constitution, until the final appointment of the Supreme Leader is formally completed, the leader’s powers are temporarily exercised by a three-member body composed of the president, the head of the judiciary, and a cleric from the Guardian Council.
