Iran is undergoing a major transition, as its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has lost key members of his inner circle- both military and diplomatic- to Israeli strikes. There are no signs that the conflict is coming to an end. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at the complete destruction of the Muslim nation, while Ayatollah Khamenei has declared that Iran will never surrender and has threatened retaliation if the U.S. supports Israel. With both sides exchanging strong warnings, uncertainty looms over what the future holds for Iran and Israel if this path of escalation continues. The conflict has already started.
But one thing is clear- Iran’s 86-year-old leader is more alone than before. Many of his top military and security advisers have been killed in Israeli airstrikes. This has created serious gaps in his leadership team. According to a Reuters report, this may now affect how he makes important decisions. Could there be a regime change in Iran amid aggravating conflict? Who will replace Ayatollah Khamenei if he falls?
Who Are The Frontrunners?
Several names are emerging as potential successors to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, if his reign come to an end. Among the frontrunners are Mojtaba Khamenei, Alireza Arafi, Ayatollah Hashem Hosseini Bushehri, and Reza Pahlavi. However, the strongest contender appears to be Khamenei’s second son, Mojtaba Khamenei. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei and what role does he play in Iran’s power structure? A closer look at the Supreme Leader’s influential son.
Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei
Mojtaba Khamenei is the second son of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He is also a Shia religious leader. Reports say that he has been prepared to take over his father’s position for some time, especially after rumours about the Supreme Leader’s possible retirement. If he does take over, it will be the first time in the 45-year history of the Islamic Republic that a family member succeeds the Supreme Leader. According to a Reuters report, over the last 20 years, Mojtaba Khamenei has become more involved in his father’s leadership circle. He plays an important role in connecting political groups, religious leaders, and the military. Some people in the government believe he could take over his father’s position in the future.
Youth Model?
The country’s youth have grown up seeing Mojtaba Khamenei as their spiritual leader. He holds immense power after Ayatollah. Mojtaba has close links with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and powerful conservative leaders. Some believe he is being prepared to become the next Supreme Leader. But many people are against this because giving power to a family member goes against what the revolution stood for.
Net Worth And Assets
When considering how Mojtaba Khamenei- or any future Supreme Leader of Iran- might access funds or resources, it is essential to examine the assets currently controlled by Ali Khamenei. There is very little clear or official information about this. But a Reuters report published months back said that Ali Khamenei controls a huge financial empire worth around 95 billion US dollars in Iran. Ali Khamenei has six children, including Mojtaba. Mojtaba, along with his two cleric brothers, Mostafa and Masoud, is believed to have influence over this large fortune.
Some reports say that the wealth controlled by the Supreme Leader’s family may be even more than $95 billion. U.S. officials claim the family has control over a massive empire worth around $200 billion. For comparison, Iran’s total GDP is about $388 billion.
Mojtaba Khamenei is believed to have major shares in Ayandeh Bank, a public company based in Tehran. The bank was founded in April 2013 and got listed on the Iran Fara Bourse in June 2015. The exchange where it is listed has a total market value of around USD 484 billion.
