The Iranian government has officially rejected circulating reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been selected as the country’s next Supreme Leader. Tehran’s Consulate General in Mumbai said the stories coming from some Israeli media outlets are “not based on any official source” and are “officially denied.”
The Consulate’s statement on X (formerly Twitter) clarified that media speculation about potential candidates for leadership chosen by Iran’s Assembly of Experts has “no official source,” and Iran has not named a successor following the death of Khamenei.
Earlier in the day, some foreign outlets had reported that Mojtaba, long seen as a powerful figure close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was poised to take over as Supreme Leader but Tehran’s authorities swiftly dismissed those claims.
Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership council a temporary governing body told state media that a new leader will be appointed “at the earliest opportunity,” stressing that the process is ongoing amid the current climate of regional conflict and wartime conditions.
Although no official selection has been announced, multiple reputable sources note that Mojtaba Khamenei has been discussed in international commentary as a possible candidate due to his influence within Iran’s political and military establishment. However, these remain unconfirmed reports without validation from Iran’s government or state media.
The Assembly of Experts an 88-member clerical body responsible under Iran’s constitution for choosing the Supreme Leader has reportedly adjusted its meetings due to security concerns, with some deliberations taking place remotely. The final decision on a successor may also be postponed until after mourning and funeral rites for the late Khamenei are completed.
Analysts say the leadership transition holds high stakes, especially as Iran remains in open conflict with the United States and Israel, and as diplomatic and military pressures mount. But for now, official channels emphasise that no successor has been formally appointed and that reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate.
