The New Leadership: Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei

Following the death of his father, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in February 2026, Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, swiftly ascended to the highest office in Iran in early March. This transition, while anticipated by many, remains controversial. For decades, Mojtaba Khamenei operated as a powerful behind-the-scenes figure, cultivating deep relationships within Iran’s security and intelligence apparatus. He earned a reputation as a political enforcer, adept at navigating the complex currents of Iranian politics.

Despite lacking formal governmental experience, Khamenei’s influence was undeniable. His perceived lack of qualifications, coupled with the sensitive issue of hereditary succession in a nation born from revolution against monarchy, fueled public discontent. Accusations of electoral manipulation during the 2005 presidential election, leveled by reformist Mehdi Karroubi, and allegations of financial misconduct by former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, further tarnished his image. During the widespread protests of 2022-23, demonstrators openly rejected his potential leadership, chanting “Mojtaba, may you die and never see leadership.”

The Intelligence Architect: Seyyed Ali-Asghar (Mir) Hejazi

Seyyed Ali-Asghar Hejazi, a cleric with decades of experience within Iran’s intelligence network, served as a close confidant to the late Ali Khamenei. His career began in 1980 with a “purification committee” tasked with purging perceived dissidents from state institutions after the Iranian Revolution. He later held key positions within the Ministry of Intelligence, including deputy for foreign affairs, and more recently, as deputy chief of staff in the Office of the Supreme Leader.

In this pivotal role, Hejazi acted as a crucial intermediary, coordinating policy and transmitting directives between various branches of government and key religious and political figures. He has been sanctioned by both the U.S. Treasury and the European Union for alleged human rights violations, including his involvement in suppressing the 2009 Green Movement. Reports indicate he survived an Israeli attack on March 6, 2026, highlighting the ongoing targeting of key figures within the regime.

The Security Veteran: Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi

Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi, 73, represents the military backbone of the Iranian establishment. Receiving military training in Syria before the 1979 revolution, he became a central figure during the Iran-Iraq War, eventually commanding the Revolutionary Guard ground forces. He later served as commander in chief of the Revolutionary Guard from 1997 to 2007.

Safavi’s influence extends beyond military command. He is currently a senior military advisor to the supreme leader and remains under U.S. sanctions. The U.N. Security Council placed him on its sanctions list in 2006 due to his alleged involvement in Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. His long-standing position within the regime underscores his continued importance to Iran’s strategic planning.

The Interior Minister: Brig. Gen. Eskandar Momeni

Brig. Gen. Eskandar Momeni, 64, a veteran of the Iran-Iraq War, has dedicated his career to internal security. He rose through the ranks of law enforcement, holding key positions including head of the Police Emergency Center and deputy for operations of the national police. He also holds a doctorate in national security.

As deputy commander of Iran’s Law Enforcement Force, Momeni oversaw security responses during the 2017-18 protests, which were met with force. Appointed minister of interior in August 2024, he has remained a central figure in domestic security policy, including the response to the unrest in early 2026, where estimates suggest between 7,000 and 30,000 Iranians were killed. The Council on Foreign Relations provides further context on Iran’s internal dynamics.

The Experienced Insider: Ali Larijani

Ali Larijani, assassinated on March 17, 2026, was a seasoned political operator within the Islamic Republic. Born into a prominent clerical family, he navigated both military and civilian institutions, serving as minister of culture, head of state broadcasting, and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. He also served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator from 2005-07.

In the wake of Ali Khamenei’s death, Larijani emerged as a central decision-maker before his assassination. His extensive experience and connections made him a key figure in the power struggle that followed. The Atlantic Council’s IranSource offers in-depth analysis of Iran’s political landscape.

What does the targeting of these individuals signal about the evolving strategies of the U.S. and its allies in the region? And how will these events reshape Iran’s internal power dynamics and foreign policy?

Frequently Asked Questions About Iran’s Leadership