Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first message to the country, emphasized the need for ongoing resistance and declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain shut. He pledged retaliation for those who lost their lives in the conflict, affirming that Tehran would seek justice for its martyrs. The message, conveyed by a female presenter on Iranian state television, highlighted the importance of maintaining control over the strategic waterway and indicated readiness to open new fronts if required.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, assumed the role of Iran’s Supreme Leader following his father’s assassination. Born in 1969, Mojtaba, known for his hardline stance against the West, holds significant influence within Iran’s political and military circles. Despite never holding an official position, he is regarded as a key figure with close ties to senior clerics and the IRGC, positioning him as a potential successor to his father. Mojtaba has been under US sanctions since 2019 for representing his father officially.
Experts suggest that Mojtaba Khamenei may adopt a more aggressive approach towards the United States and Israel compared to his father. Following the targeted airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iranian cities that resulted in the death of Ali Khamenei and other prominent figures, Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on US and Israeli assets in the region. Mojtaba’s leadership is expected to shape Iran’s foreign policy with a focus on countering perceived threats from Western powers.
