World

Israel Threatens to Target Iran’s New Leadership After Appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has warned that it may target anyone who replaces the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Iran’s supreme leader, raising fears of further escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The threat comes shortly after Iranian authorities announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late ayatollah, as the country’s new leader.

Ali Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials were reportedly killed during the first wave of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes launched on February 28, marking one of the most dramatic moments in the current conflict.

Iran Appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as Successor

After several days of deliberations, Iran’s Assembly of Experts — a body of clerics responsible for selecting the supreme leader — confirmed that Mojtaba Khamenei would take over the position.

The decision came despite growing international pressure and ongoing military strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure.

Iranian officials say the transition demonstrates that the country’s leadership structure remains intact despite the loss of its longtime leader.

IDF Issues Direct Warning

Hours before the official announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment, the Israeli military issued a warning on its Farsi-language social media account.

“The hand of the State of Israel will continue to pursue every successor and every person involved in his appointment,” the IDF said.

The statement also suggested that Israel would not hesitate to target clerics participating in the leadership selection process.

Last week, Israeli forces reportedly carried out a strike against the Assembly of Experts’ headquarters in the city of Qom, although the attack did not prevent the appointment of a new leader.

Iran Says Leadership Remains Stable

Iranian officials have rejected the idea that the strikes could destabilize the country.

Ali Larijani, one of Iran’s top security officials, said the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei shows that attempts by the United States and Israel to create chaos in Iran have failed.

According to Larijani, Iran’s leadership structure was prepared for such a situation and quickly organized a transition of power.

Trump and Netanyahu Call for Regime Change

The escalating rhetoric comes as both U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have openly discussed the possibility of regime change in Iran.

Trump has repeatedly demanded “unconditional surrender” from Tehran and warned that any new Iranian leader would face severe consequences if the country refuses to comply with U.S. demands.

“The next supreme leader will not last long unless Iran bows,” Trump said in recent remarks.

Iran Vows to Continue Resistance

Despite the threats, Iranian officials and military leaders say they will continue resisting foreign pressure.

Iran’s leadership insists that the country will defend its sovereignty and respond to attacks from the United States and Israel.

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei appears intended to signal continuity and stability in Iran’s political system during a period of intense external pressure.

Analysis

The latest statements from Israel suggest the conflict is moving beyond traditional military targets toward the highest levels of political leadership in Iran.

If Israel were to target Iran’s new leadership directly, it could dramatically escalate the conflict and push the region closer to a wider war.

At the same time, Iran’s rapid appointment of a successor indicates that the country’s political system is attempting to maintain continuity despite the unprecedented situation.

As tensions continue to rise, the struggle between military pressure and political stability may become a defining factor in the next phase of the conflict.