Question

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in March 2026, who was considered the new supreme leader?

• A. Ruhollah Khomeini
• B. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr
• C. Mojtaba Khamenei
• D. Hassan Khomeini

Hint:

Avoid historical distractors: Ruhollah Khomeini was the *founder* of the Islamic Republic. Hassan Khomeini is his grandson but represents a more reformist faction and was unlikely to be selected by the conservative Assembly of Experts.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Supreme Leader (Rahbar) of Iran is the highest-ranking political and religious authority in the nation. The position is for life, and the successor is chosen by the Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics.

Step 1: Analyzing the Transition of Power.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had served as Supreme Leader since 1989. Upon his passing in March 2026 (as per the exam's timeline), the succession became a matter of intense internal deliberation.

Step 2: Identifying the Successor.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ali Khamenei, emerged as the successor. Although the position is not officially hereditary, Mojtaba had gained significant influence over the years, controlling the *Bait-e Rahbari* (the Leader's Office) and maintaining strong ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). His appointment represents a continuation of the hardline clerical establishment.