Iran's state media reported today (March 9) that Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the second son of the former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 57, has been appointed as the new Supreme Leader of Iran. Mojtaba Khamenei has never held any elected position. However, for many years, he has been operating quietly in his father's office, subtly expanding his influence over the entire security apparatus, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Comment: Although Mojtaba has no experience in elected positions, he has become the only stable figure in the transfer of power in Iran by deeply cultivating the security system, controlling the Revolutionary Guards and the Supreme Leader's Office. The combination of national grievances and family hatred, along with military backing, means that Mojtaba's rise to power signifies an escalation of U.S.-Iran confrontation into a hardline mode without room for compromise or negotiation. He carries the grudge of his father's murder, has long controlled the security system and the Revolutionary Guards, leaving no room for compromise or motivation for negotiation, and will only respond to U.S. and Israeli attacks with strong retaliation.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859137204171785/
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