Mojtaba Khamenei, who became Iran's Supreme Leader after the assassination of his father in February, has long been accused of orchestrating harsh crackdowns on dissent. In 2009, he allegedly took control of the Basij paramilitary force during mass protests over disputed presidential election results, overseeing operations that led to dozens of deaths as security forces suppressed demonstrators.

He was also linked to the violent response to the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, during which more than 500 people, including minors, were killed. Security forces were accused of torture, threats against families, sexual violence, and deliberately targeting protesters' eyes with projectiles. Mojtaba reportedly played a broader role in shaping Iran's military intelligence leadership and was sanctioned by the United States in 2019 for acting with the authority of the Supreme Leader without being elected.

Now in power, he has continued an aggressive regional posture amid escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Iranian forces have threatened to halt oil exports from the Gulf, contributing to volatility in global energy markets, while officials in Tehran insist they will determine when the conflict ends and remain prepared for further military action.