Mojtaba Khamenei Elected as Iran's Next Supreme Leader

0:00On March 8th, a senior Iranian cleric from the assembly of experts says Mojtaba Kamanai, son of the current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Kamanai, has won the majority vote to become the next Supreme Leader. The announcement is expected soon, coming right after Israel warned it would target whoever takes the role. The assembly met mostly online this week, under heavy pressure from the revolutionary guards to pick Mojtaba, a hard-line cleric with close ties to top. IRGC figures, Iran's foreign minister denied any decision earlier, but several officials have hinted at the outcome. Israel's military posted a direct warning on social media, saying it would pursue any successor and even those involved in the selection process. Officials delayed the reveal over fears of attacks from Israel or the United States, especially since Mojtaba lacks a high-profile government post. Reports show Ayatollah Kamanai himself, opposed his son's rise, worried it could look like a family dynasty, disagreements linger among experts over Mojtaba's religious credentials

1:03despite his seminary training and service in the Iran-Iraq war. As tensions build between Iran and its foes, the formal word on the new leader could shift the power balance into Iran and beyond.