Residents in Tehran’s Ekbatan neighbourhood chanted “death to Mojtaba" from their windows early on Monday, shortly before Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, according to a video shared on social media.US-Israel-Iran War LIVE

The appointment comes days after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on February 28 during the opening phase of the ongoing war involving the US and Israel. Iran’s Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, a cleric known for his close ties to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, as his successor.

The younger Khamenei had long been considered a contender for the post despite never holding an elected or formally appointed government position. His elevation, however, appears to have sparked dissent among sections of Iranian society and political figures who have criticised the perceived hereditary transfer of power, comparing it to monarchical rule under the shah, who was overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

People chanted “Death to Mojtaba" from their windows in Tehran’s Ekbatan neighborhood early Monday shortly before Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, according to a video shared on social media.pic.twitter.com/nEiM7x7AbM— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En)March 8, 2026

Also Read:‘Not A Good Idea’: US Reacts After Israel Pounds 30 Iranian Fuel Depots In A Day

Authorities have not commented on the chants reported from Ekbatan.

Mojtaba Khamenei takes charge amid escalating regional conflict. Iran has widened its attacks across the Middle East, targeting oil and water facilities in Gulf states. The Revolutionary Guard has launched missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf Arab countries since the elder Khamenei’s death.

The conflict has rattled global energy markets, pushing oil prices above USD 100 a barrel and tightening natural gas supplies after Qatar halted production.

Khamenei is now in command of Iran’s armed forces and will play a key role in decisions related to the country’s nuclear programme. While several nuclear sites were damaged in US airstrikes during the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June, Iran still possesses highly enriched uranium that is close to weapons-grade levels.

Also Read:Trump’s ‘Roaring Economy’ Promise Meets Reality As Iran War Lifts Oil And Gas Prices | Explained

Source: World News in news18.com, World Latest News, World News