Mojtaba Khamenei reported alive after strike and seen as likely successor
Mar 4th 2026
Two sources told Reuters that Mojtaba Khamenei survived recent strikes and is viewed by Iran’s establishment as a likely successor, while the Assembly of Experts reportedly moved its leadership selection online after an attack on its Qom headquarters.
- Two Iranian sources told Reuters Mojtaba Khamenei survived the strike and was not in Tehran when his father was reported killed.
- Mojtaba is a hardliner with close ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and is considered a leading candidate to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Israeli jets struck the Assembly of Experts building in Qom during a reported session to choose a new supreme leader, with images showing heavy damage.
- Fars News Agency said the Assembly had been evacuated in advance and that the leadership selection proceeded virtually and was in its final stages.
- Iranian state media and international outlets reported Ali Khamenei was killed after reported US and Israeli attacks that also targeted other Iranian figures.