Iran’s potential new influential hardline figure, the Supreme Leader, has emerged as a key target for Israel due to Tehran’s confrontational stance. Motjaba Khamenei, a war veteran, is expected to resist pressure from Israel and the US, aiming to prolong and spread conflict in the region.
Having evaded military attacks for five days by utilizing Tehran’s extensive underground tunnel network, which is believed to be hundreds of meters deep, Motjaba’s appointment was swiftly confirmed through remote meetings by Tehran’s Assembly of experts. He has been at the helm of Tehran’s security operations for an extended period.
The remote meetings were arranged after the original voting location in Qum was targeted by the US and Israel. Despite his substantial wealth derived from his property holdings, Motjaba, the second son of the late Ayatollah, is favored by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Motjaba’s popularity among hardliners contrasts with his lavish lifestyle and immense wealth as a member of Tehran’s elite. Despite facing US sanctions, the 56-year-old inherits a hardline stance against the West from his father, although he also maintains international investments and assets.
As the second son of Khamenei, Motjaba is viewed as a potential successor, known for his strategic acumen and close ties to Iran’s elite military force, the IRGC. He has played a significant role in Tehran’s governance behind the scenes and has a background in military service during the Iran-Iraq war.
Selected by the Assembly of Experts under pressure from the IRGC, Motjaba wields substantial influence within Iran’s political and security circles despite not holding an official position in his father’s administration. He has been the target of US-Israeli attacks since the conflict escalated with airstrikes on Saturday.
Motjaba’s late wife was the daughter of a prominent Tehran politician and society figure. His position has drawn the ire of Israel, with Israeli officials indicating a readiness to target any Iranian leader aligned with anti-Israel sentiments.