Trump says “he won’t last long”: Who is Iran’s new leader?

In Iran, the country’s new Supreme Leader has been appointed: 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, reports BBC. This decision came after the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled Iran for many years.

The 88-member Assembly of Experts, composed of Shiite clerics, approved his candidacy. After the appointment, supporters took to the streets chanting “Allahu Akbar.” Security forces pledged loyalty to the new leader, saying, “We will serve until our last drop of blood.”

However, there has also been domestic opposition. Some citizens who had previously protested were reportedly shouting “Death to Mojtaba!” from their homes.

Mojtaba Khamenei has rarely appeared in public, but he is known as a figure closely linked to Iran’s influential military structure - the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Internationally, reactions are strong as well. U.S. President Donald Trump said regarding his rise to power, “he won’t last long,” while Israel’s Defense Minister described Mojtaba Khamenei as a “clear target.”

Experts suggest that his rise indicates the strengthening of conservative forces in Iran. With the new leader, Iran steps into a new phase amid a complex geopolitical situation.