He had become Iran's new supreme leader: Mojtaba Khamenei's youth footage back on the agenda

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US and Israeli attacks on February 28, 2026, the question of who would be Iran's new supreme leader occupied the agenda. The Assembly of Experts, which convened on March 8, announced that it had designated Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the country's third supreme leader. While mourning was declared in Iran and official holidays continued, eyes turned to Mojtaba Khamenei's past.

Historical footage of the new leader, unearthed from archives, has garnered great interest on social media and in the Iranian press. Moments showing 17-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei participating as a volunteer in the Iran-Iraq War and serving on the front lines during his father's presidency have been brought to light.

WHO IS MOJTABA KHAMENEI?

Born in the city of Mashhad in 1969, Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of Ali Khamenei, the second supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Having served actively on the front lines in the Iran-Iraq War at a young age, Khamenei studied at the seminary in Qom after the war and attained the title of "Ayatollah."

Having undertaken important duties in his father's office for many years, Mojtaba Khamenei became an influential figure in the country's domestic politics and security strategy starting in 2005. Known for his strong ties with the Revolutionary Guards, Khamenei stands out as a name with a say in Iran's strategic structuring and decision-making processes.

During the ongoing 40-day mourning period in Iran, the past and leadership vision of the new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, continue to be closely followed both nationally and internationally.

News Source: 12punto