‘Whoever becomes our target will be the next Supreme Leader’, Israel threatens new Supreme Leader

Desk: The US, Israel, and Iran have been at war for the past five days. Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his successor, Mojtaba, has been appointed head of Iran. This means that Mojtaba Khamenei is now Iran’s new Supreme Leader. Following Iran’s announcement, Israel has issued an open threat. Israel’s Defense Minister stated that whoever becomes Supreme Leader will be our target.

Israeli Defense Secretary Katz posted a statement on the social media platform X on Wednesday. He wrote in the post, “Every leader appointed by Iran’s terrorist regime to continue and lead its plan to destroy Israel, threaten the United States, the free world, the countries of the region, and oppress the Iranian people will be our target. Israel will spare no one.” It is believed that Israel will target Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s son, just like Khamenei himself. The Tehran-based Assembly of Experts has elected 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader. Mojtaba is the eldest son of the late former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He served alongside his father for a long time. The recent death of Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli attacks has fueled speculation about a new leadership. Mojtaba is said to have a strong claim, although he has not held any major religious position. But he has the support of the country’s army and assembly.

A media report claims that last year, Ali Khamenei did not include Mojtaba’s name in a list of potential successors. Furthermore, the transfer of power from father to son is generally not acceptable in Shia religious tradition, making this decision even more controversial. It is being said that the Iranian public wanted one of the Ayatollah’s sons to become Supreme Leader. This decision was made in response to public sentiment.

According to media reports, the IRGC had influence in Mojtaba’s selection, which is why he was appointed Iran’s new Supreme Leader. However, Mojtaba’s appointment has raised many questions, as the Islamic Republic of Iran has long criticized nepotism and presented itself as a principled system. Consequently, the question of Mojtaba’s future is significant.