Mojtaba Khamenei Reportedly Elected As Iran’s New Supreme Leader, Government Denies Claims

March 4, 2026

New Delhi: Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly been elected as the next Supreme Leader of Iran, according to several media reports.

Reports claimed that he was chosen by Iran’s Assembly of Experts as the successor to his father.

However, the Iranian government denied these claims. In a statement posted through the Consulate General in Mumbai’s X handle, authorities said that reports about leadership candidates have “no official source” and are formally rejected. The government clarified that there has been no official confirmation regarding the selection of a new Supreme Leader.

Khamenei Killed In Joint US-Israel Strikes

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 during joint US-Israel airstrikes named Operation Epic Fury. The strikes reportedly targeted his residential compound.

Along with him, his daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter were also killed. His wife, Mansoureh Khojasteh Bagherzadeh, later died due to injuries sustained in the attack.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced on Telegram that Khamenei will be buried in the holy city of Mashhad. A large farewell ceremony is expected to be held in Tehran, though the burial date has not yet been announced.

Interim Leadership Took Charge

Before his death, Khamenei had not officially named a successor. After the strikes, a three-member interim Leadership Council temporarily took charge of the country’s top responsibilities.

The council includes Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei. They were assigned to manage leadership duties until a new Supreme Leader is formally chosen.

Middle East Conflict Deepens

The joint US-Israel operation was launched after nuclear talks reportedly stalled and allegations surfaced that Tehran had resumed nuclear activities. The strikes targeted multiple Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran. More than 700 people were reportedly killed in the attacks.

Iran’s Retaliation And Rising Tensions

Within hours of the strikes, Iran launched missiles toward several Gulf regions, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Bahrain.

The conflict quickly intensified. Iran vowed to avenge the killing of its Supreme Leader. US President Donald Trump said it was “too late” for Iran to restart talks to avoid war.

Missiles and drones reportedly hit oil facilities and US diplomatic buildings in the Gulf. As fighting continued, Israel pushed troops deeper into Lebanon to confront the Iran-backed group Hezbollah after it joined the conflict.

Drone Strike On US Consulate In Dubai

On the fourth day of the conflict, a drone attack caused a fire at the US consulate in Dubai. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the incident and stated that all staff members were safe.

The situation in the Middle East remains tense, with uncertainty over Iran’s leadership and fears of further military escalation.