Iranians have protested the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, shouting 'Death to Mojtaba' from balconies and rooftops in Tehran and other cities. The 56 year old hardline cleric was confirmed by an 88 member assembly following the death of his father, despite reported concerns that hereditary succession would resemble the monarchy overthrown in 1979.

While thousands gathered in central squares to pledge allegiance and chant against the United States and Israel, dissenting voices echoed through residential tower blocks in scenes reminiscent of previous anti government protests. Videos circulating online show residents openly cursing the new leader despite the risk of severe reprisals.

Mojtaba has long been linked to crackdowns on mass protests, including unrest in 2009 and demonstrations in 2022, where security forces killed hundreds of people. He has cultivated close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and paramilitary forces, and was previously sanctioned by the United States for acting on behalf of his father. Israel has vowed to eliminate the new leader, as tensions from the ongoing conflict continue to escalate.