Who is Mojtaba Khamenei? 7 things to know about Iran’s likely next leader

6. Influence inside the system, but limited public political experience

Mojtaba Khamenei has limited public governing experience despite having spent years close to the center of power in Iran’s political system. The Telegraph notes that he has “managed his father’s office and networks for years,” working behind the scenes within the circle surrounding the supreme leader rather than in visible political roles.

A leaked diplomatic cable cited by the newspaper described him as “a capable and forceful leader and manager who might someday succeed to at least a share of national leadership.” The same cable suggested that he had developed a reputation inside the system as an effective organizer and power broker within the networks linked to the supreme leader’s office.

His influence also extended into Iran’s political establishment. He developed ties with powerful figures within the regime and is reported to have been an adviser and financier for Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who served as mayor of Tehran and later became the speaker of Iran’s parliament.

Analysts see him as a “gatekeeper” to the supreme leader’s inner circle, someone deeply familiar with the workings of Iran’s political and security institutions. Mehdi Rahmati, an analyst based in Tehran, told The New York Times that Mojtaba is seen by some insiders as the “wisest pick right now” because he is closely familiar with the coordination of the country’s security and military apparatus.

Despite this internal influence, however, Carnegie notes that Mojtaba Khamenei has never held public office. This marks a contrast with his father, Ali Khamenei, who served as Iran’s third president from 1981 to 1989 before becoming supreme leader. Mojtaba has instead spent most of his political career inside the institutional networks of the regime, observing and influencing power from within rather than exercising it directly in a formal governing position.