Mixed reactions in Iran after Mojtaba Khamenei chosen as leader

Iran has entered a new political phase following the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader, according to BBC News and agencies on March 9th. 

Khamenei, the 56-year-old cleric, succeeds his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on March 1st following US-Israeli strikes against Iran, which began on February 28th.

The decision was made by the Assembly of Experts, the powerful body responsible for selecting the nation’s top leader.

However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the country; supporters of the government gathered in cities like Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad to celebrate the new leader, waving flags and chanting in support.

According to the BBC, one woman expressed her joy, saying, “We’re very happy. Thanks to the Assembly of Experts. The hand of God is protecting us. Khamenei is still our leader.”

The leadership change also comes after a period of unrest in Iran. Protests began in late December amid an economic crisis driven by rising inflation and the rising cost of living.

Demonstrations were later brought under control after a strong government crackdown. Some observers say the instability created an opportunity for the US and Israel to increase pressure on Iran and carry out attacks during the conflict.

However, not everyone believes his leadership will lead to significant change. During earlier protests, some protestors were heard shouting chants from apartment balconies calling for the end of the Islamic Republic and even the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Among the slogans were those supporting the former monarchy, with people chanting “Long live the Shah.”

Some residents in Tehran argue that the appointment of someone so closely aligned with the former leader signals that the country’s political course will remain the same.

Others expressed deeper concerns. One woman in her twenties in Tehran said she feared that Mojtaba Khamenei would be “even more oppressive than his dad.”

She told the BBC: “I really hope their senior officials’ lives end in the war; otherwise, if we’re under his rule, we will all die.”

Another man in his thirties said, “He’s vengeful. They killed his father, and he won’t let go. If he can’t take revenge on the US, he will take it out on us ordinary people. I hope that Israel and the US will target him.”

Although Mojtaba Khamenei kept a low public profile, many believe he has held significant influence behind the scenes, especially with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

BBC News and agencies, Maghrebi.org