Mojtaba Khamenei: The Potential Successor to Iran’s Supreme Leadership

Mojtaba entered politics when Ahmadinejad became president, and they grew close. There are reports suggesting Mojtaba played an important role in Ahmadinejad’s election victory both in 2005 and 2009. He was also said to be behind the crackdown on protests following Iran’s disputed election results in 2009, thus raising questions about how much influence he has had on the country’s politics.

However, Mojtaba’s suitability for succeeding Supreme Leader remains a matter of debate, even now that he holds an influential position within Iranian politics. Some people have expressed their belief that due to their close family ties as well as political savviness, Mojtaba naturally should become supreme leader since it runs into their blood; nonetheless, others have questioned whether this man possesses enough religious education background necessary for such a weighty post (Cadicott 2012). The process of choosing a Supreme Leader is further complicated by candidacy issues involving religious leaders, including clergymen and Assembly of Experts members.