A new era begins in Iran: Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ayatollah Khamenei, elected new Supreme Leader

Sources cited by Iran International said Iran's Assembly of Experts elected Ali Khamenei's son Mojtaba as the next Supreme Leader under pressure from the Revolutionary Guards.

Born in 1969, Mojtaba Khamenei is reported to have served during the Iran–Iraq War from 1987 to 1988.

He has also been linked to oversight of the Basij militia, which was deployed to suppress protests following Iran’s disputed 2009 presidential election, according to Pantheon World. Over the years, he is believed to have wielded significant influence within Iran’s political establishment, particularly through ties with the IRGC.

The reported leadership transition comes amid a sharp escalation in regional hostilities.

Beginning Saturday afternoon (India time), US and Israeli forces allegedly launched ballistic and cruise missile strikes from warships in the Persian Gulf, alongside air operations involving advanced stealth fighter jets such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

Iran retaliated with a wave of missile strikes and suicide unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks, with its Shahed drone series playing a central role. The strikes reportedly targeted US and Israeli military installations, as well as sites in neighbouring Gulf states.

On the first day of the escalation, Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in a strike on his compound in central Tehran.

US President Donald Trump later declared, “I got him before he got me,” in remarks referencing the operation.

Iran has since intensified missile and drone attacks on US-linked targets, including embassies and military bases, while warning of further retaliation.

Missiles were reported to have struck locations across Gulf countries late Tuesday.

The spiralling confrontation has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, particularly after Iran reportedly moved to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which an estimated 20 million barrels of crude oil transit each day.

Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption to shipping through the Strait could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets and regional stability.