Mojtaba has never held public office and is not considered a senior-ranking cleric. He also does not have an official government position. However, he is widely believed to wield significant influence behind the scenes within Iran’s power structure.
During the Iran-Iraq war, he served in the Iranian armed forces and is known to have close ties with the IRGC.Click here for live updates
He is married to Zahra Haddad-Adel, daughter of senior conservative politician Gholam-Ali Haddad-Adel.
Not on the earlier successor list
Mojtaba’s name was not included in the list of potential successors reportedly prepared by Ayatollah Khamenei in 2025.
His elevation suggests Iran’s leadership opted for continuity during a period of war and instability. However, a father-son succession is traditionally viewed unfavourably within Iran’s Shiite clerical establishment.
Before the announcement, the Assembly of Experts had said the selection of a new Supreme Leader would be based on religious qualifications and the body’s independent judgment rather than political considerations. The panel had indicated it was inclined to choose someone similar to Khamenei.
Interim leadership before appointment
After Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s reported killing, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said an interim leadership council was overseeing the country’s affairs. The council included Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, and Guardian Council member Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.
Reported wealth and assets
While Mojtaba Khamenei’s exact net worth is not publicly known, various reports suggest he oversees an extensive investment portfolio and is believed to be a multi-millionaire.
According to a Bloomberg report, his assets allegedly include a luxury property in the UK valued at over $138 million and Swiss bank accounts.
