Mojtaba Khamenei appointed as Iran's Supreme Leader, IRGC pledges loyalty

Tehran (ANTARA) — Mojtaba Khamenei has been officially appointed to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Iran’s Supreme Leader.

The Supreme Leader sits atop the judicial, legislative, and administrative branches, making decisions on important matters, including the country’s nuclear programme.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared loyalty and obedience to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, RIA Novosti reported on Monday (9 March).

“The IRGC Iran, supporting the choice of the esteemed Assembly of Experts, is ready to declare full loyalty to Mojtaba Khamenei, and to protect the values of the Islamic Revolution and safeguard the precious legacy of the revolution’s leaders — Imam Ruhollah Khomeini and Imam Ali Khamenei,” the IRGC said in its statement, as quoted by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.

The Iranian Assembly of Experts announced that Mojtaba Khamenei, 56 years old, has been elected as the country’s Supreme Leader. He is the son of the previous leader, Ali Khamenei, who died in a combined attack by the United States and Israel on 28 February.

It was previously reported that the Assembly continued its session to select a new leader despite threats from US President Donald Trump.

“The Assembly of Experts held its meeting despite Trump’s threats to disrupt it,” said Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, as quoted by SNN television.