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Five things to know about Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei
CNBC· 2026-03-11 11:38
Core Viewpoint - The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran's new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has led to a significant increase in oil prices, surpassing $120 per barrel, the highest since 2022, due to concerns over regional stability and continuity of hardline policies [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - Mojtaba Khamenei has been appointed as the new supreme leader of Iran, succeeding his father, who led the country for 36 years [1]. - The Iranian government has expressed that the country will unite around Mojtaba Khamenei, despite potential leadership schisms [4]. - Mojtaba Khamenei is perceived as more hardline than his father, indicating a continuation of strict policies [7]. Group 2: Background and Influence - Mojtaba Khamenei has deep connections with Iran's political and security establishments, having served in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during the Iran-Iraq war [8][12]. - His marriage to Zahra Haddad Adel, the daughter of a senior conservative politician, has further strengthened his ties within conservative and hardline political networks [9]. - He has been involved in significant political events, including overseeing the crackdown on the 2009 Green Movement protests [11]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The rise in oil prices to over $120 per barrel is attributed to the geopolitical tensions following the leadership change in Iran [1]. - Mojtaba Khamenei reportedly has a substantial property empire worth hundreds of millions, including luxury assets in Europe and the Middle East, which may influence his economic policies [21][22].