Iran’s senior clergy have chosen Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of the slain supreme leader, as his father’s successor.
The Assembly of Experts, a clerical body responsible for the appointment, announced in the early hours of Monday morning local time that a majority had voted for the 56-year-old cleric to become the third leader of the Islamic republic.
The assembly called on the Iranian nation, the political elite, intellectuals and senior clergy to show their allegiance to the new leader.
Mojtaba’s father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had ruled Iran since 1989, was killed in US and Israeli air strikes on the supreme leader’s compound just over a week ago.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who has cultivated close ties with the powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps, kept a low profile before the conflict.
US President Donald Trump has said Khamenei would not be acceptable to the US as Iran’s next leader, claiming he wants to “be involved” in the choice.
His selection came as the escalating crisis in Iran sent oil prices surging through $100 a barrel for the first time in almost four years.
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