Will Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei remain in power through 2026?

Iran’s Assembly of Experts has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during U.S.–Israeli strikes. The appointment comes amid a major regional war and represents a continuation of Iran’s current political system, with strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the military, and key political leaders. Mojtaba Khamenei has long been considered influential within Iran’s ruling establishment despite never holding elected office. His close ties to the IRGC and alignment with his father’s positions toward the United States and Israel suggest policy continuity during a period of extreme geopolitical tension. However, his leadership begins under highly unstable conditions. Israel has openly threatened to target Iran’s leadership, and U.S. political figures have questioned whether the new leader will remain in power. The uncertainty lies in whether Mojtaba Khamenei can consolidate authority and survive the ongoing conflict — or whether the leadership structure in Iran changes again amid war or internal upheaval.