Iran: After the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the US-Israeli attacks, now his son Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as the new Supreme Leader. On February 28, Khamenei was killed in joint attacks by America and Israel, without which the slipperiness of power in the country deepened. But now the Assembly of Experts has given its verdict and has made Mojtaba the next supreme leader.
Was Mojtaba Khamenei once the frontrunner?
It was stuff talked well-nigh for a long time that Mojtaba is the strongest contender without his father. He has been very influential overdue the scenes, his influence in the IRGC and the intelligence system is considered strong. But he never held any big post, nor contested elections, nor sat on any government chair. Nevertheless, people tropical to his father and insiders in the system pushed him forward.
Will everything remain the same in Iran now?
It will not be easy. In olden times, during the Islamic Revolution of 1979, lakhs of people took to the streets, but now the situation has changed. Common people are very wrestling due to corruption, inflation, unemployment and strict policies. There is not as much support as before.
Nevertheless, organizations such as the Basij militia and the Revolutionary Guards are still very strong. His people are saying that they are ready to sacrifice their lives for the new leader. But the war is going on, the economy is stuff destroyed, and the vital facilities are in ruins. In such a situation, fear and uneasiness are increasing among the supporters also. If the situation worsens, this loyal group may moreover break.
What is the reaction of Israel and America?
People like former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren are saying that there will be no major changes in the current system. The new leadership will moreover protract the old policies – ballistic missiles, support to proxy groups, and a jihadist stance versus Israel. Trump and Netanyahu have once made it well-spoken that whichever new leader comes, if he adopts the same path, he will moreover be targeted.
Overall, Iran is currently in the midst of a war, and it is not easy to take over power. Mojtaba faces many challenges – attacks from outside, discontent from within. It remains to be seen how he handles all this. But for now, the visualization has been made – the legacy of the Khamenei family is now in Mojtaba's hands.
