Senior clerics in Iran convened to choose a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following his death in joint United States and Israeli strikes, and his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has emerged as the leading candidate, according to officials familiar with the deliberations. The Assembly of Experts held virtual meetings amid security concerns, with some members reportedly wary that announcing his selection could make him a target.

Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, is known for his close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and for operating behind the scenes within his father's power structure. Supporters argue that his experience coordinating security and military institutions makes him well suited to lead during a period of crisis. Analysts suggest his appointment would signal a shift toward a more hard-line leadership aligned with the Revolutionary Guards.

However, his potential elevation has drawn concern over possible public backlash. Critics view him as a continuation of an entrenched system that has faced widespread protests and repression, while supporters see him as preserving the legacy of a leader they regard as martyred. Other contenders include Alireza Arafi and Seyed Hassan Khomeini, both seen as comparatively moderate figures.

The Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body elected by the public, is constitutionally tasked with appointing and overseeing the supreme leader. This decision marks only the second time in the Islamic republic's history that it has selected a new supreme leader, underscoring the significance of the moment for Iran's political future.