Assembly of Experts Formally Appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's New Supreme Leader
TEHERAN — The Assembly of Experts officially appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Monday, 9 March 2026. Mojtaba succeeds his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an attack by the United States and Israel on Saturday, 28 February 2026.
The following is the official statement of the Assembly of Experts:
In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful. Noble and free people of Iran, may the blessings and peace of Allah be upon you.
The Assembly of Experts, whilst conveying condolences on the martyrdom of the great leader, His Excellency Ayatollah Imam Khamenei (may Allah purify his noble soul), and other honoured martyrs, particularly selfless high-ranking commanders of the Armed Forces and students of Shajareh Tayyibeh school in Minab County, and condemning the criminal brutal aggression of America and the wicked Zionist regime, hereby informs you: Immediately following news of the martyrdom and death of the wise and judicious leader of the Islamic Revolution—despite the acute state of war, direct threats from the enemy to this popular institution, and the bombing of the Assembly Secretariat office which resulted in the martyrdom of several staff members and security personnel—this Assembly did not hesitate whatsoever in the process of selection and appointment of the leader of the Islamic system. In accordance with duties prescribed in the Constitution and the Assembly of Experts’ internal regulations, the Assembly took the necessary steps and measures to schedule an extraordinary session and introduce the new leader to its agenda. Therefore, appropriate planning and coordination were undertaken to gather the honoured representatives of this Assembly from throughout the country so that, despite the prudent provision in Article 111 of the Constitution regarding the formation of a temporary council, the state would not face a leadership vacancy.
In honouring the exalted status of the Guardian Jurist (Wilayat al-Faqih) during the occultation of the Imam of the Age (may Allah hasten his return) and the importance of the leadership issue in the Islamic Republic system, the Assembly of Experts appreciates 47 years of wise governance based on the principles of dignity, self-reliance, and authority by both Imams of the Revolution. Whilst commemorating these noble and popular leaders, the Assembly announces that following careful and comprehensive consideration and utilising the authority of Article 108 of the Constitution, in accordance with religious obligation and belief in the presence of the Almighty God, in today’s extraordinary session, the Assembly has appointed and introduced Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei (may Allah protect him) as the third leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, by unanimous vote of the honoured representatives of the Assembly of Experts.
In conclusion, whilst expressing gratitude to the members of the temporary council based on Article 111 of the Constitution, we call upon the noble people of Iran, particularly the clergy and scholars of seminaries and universities, to pledge allegiance to the leadership and maintain unity around the axis of the Guardianship. We pray that the mercy and grace of Almighty Allah always accompany this country and its great people.
Peace be upon you, and may the mercy and blessings of Allah be with you all.
— Assembly of Experts
8 March 2026