Tehran — Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps pushed through the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, sidelining opposition from political and clerical figures who feared the move would strengthen hardline control, according to senior Iranian sources.
The decision followed the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, and was formally approved by the Assembly of Experts, the constitutional body responsible for appointing the country’s top authority.
Sources told Reuters that the Revolutionary Guards strongly backed Mojtaba Khamenei, viewing him as a leader likely to support their policies and maintain their growing influence within the Islamic Republic.
Concerns Over Growing Military Influence
According to several insiders, the IRGC has gained even greater influence since the start of the current conflict involving Iran and its regional adversaries.
Some senior clerics and political figures reportedly opposed Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment, warning that the move could accelerate Iran’s shift toward a military-dominated political system.
Two senior Iranian sources said they feared the increasing power of the IRGC could turn the Islamic Republic into a state dominated by the military, with only limited religious legitimacy remaining.
Reformist figures inside the system also warned that such a shift could further weaken public support and reduce the government’s ability to deal with complex political and economic challenges.
Silence From the New Leader
Nearly 48 hours after the announcement of his selection, Mojtaba Khamenei had not publicly addressed the nation.
The delay raised questions inside Iran’s political establishment, particularly as the country continues to face intense conflict that has reportedly killed more than 1,000 people.
Security concerns may explain the silence. Iranian state television suggested the new leader may have been wounded during recent strikes linked to the war.
A state broadcaster referred to him as a “janbaz,” a Persian term meaning a wounded veteran, although his condition has not been independently confirmed.
Assembly Vote Held Under Unusual Circumstances
The Assembly of Experts convened to select the new leader in an undisclosed location after its traditional meeting hall in the religious city of Qom was reportedly damaged during the conflict.
According to Assembly member Mohsen Heydari, the body reached the required quorum and voted with roughly 85–90% support among those present.
However, not all members were able to attend the meeting, and some were reportedly unaware of the vote until after it had taken place.
The less-than-unanimous result suggested internal divisions over the leadership transition.
Hereditary Succession Raises Concerns
Some clerics reportedly objected to what they saw as a hereditary succession, with the son replacing his father at the top of the Islamic Republic.
Behind the scenes, political figures and clerics had been discussing alternative candidates during the week leading up to the vote, sources said.
However, insiders claim the Revolutionary Guards exerted significant pressure on members of the Assembly of Experts to support Mojtaba Khamenei.
According to one reformist former official, critics were warned against opposing the choice.
IRGC Influence Expected to Grow
During his father’s rule, Mojtaba Khamenei played a key role behind the scenes, managing the supreme leader’s office, known as the beyt, which exerts influence across Iran’s political and administrative systems.
His close ties to the Revolutionary Guards, particularly to newer commanders who replaced senior officers killed in the conflict, are believed to have strengthened his position.
Analysts say the appointment may lead to a more hardline direction both domestically and internationally.
Alex Vatanka of the Middle East Institute said Mojtaba Khamenei’s reliance on the Revolutionary Guards could limit his independence as leader.
“Mojtaba owes his position to the Revolutionary Guards and as such he is not going to be as supreme as his father was,” Vatanka said.
Some insiders believe the appointment could mark the culmination of a long-standing ambition by the Revolutionary Guards to consolidate control over the Islamic Republic’s political system.
If that happens, one former official warned, Iran’s future direction could be shaped more directly by military power than by the country’s traditional religious leadership.
President Trump has said he is “disappointed” by the appointment, having previously dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei as a “lightweight.” Operation Epic Fury continues, with Defence Secretary Hegseth refusing to rule out ground troops inside Iran.
For the latest on the Iran conflict and Operation Epic Fury, visit M10News.com.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more facts are confirmed.
