Al Jazeera: Iran’s new Khamenei raises concerns in Gulf states

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s Supreme Leader is causing concern among the countries of the Persian Gulf.

Gulf states — which have been facing Iranian attacks almost daily since the start of the conflict — view the decision as a sign that the military confrontation may continue, Caliber.Az reports via Al Jazeera.

“At the same time, they’ll be watching: maybe he’ll come with something new, and maybe he’ll surprise them,” the broadcaster noted.

Mojtaba Khamenei has long been viewed by analysts as one of the leading candidates to succeed his father, largely due to his close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and his influence inside Iran’s political establishment despite never holding an officially elected position. 

The appointment represents the first hereditary-style transfer of Iran’s supreme leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, a move that has drawn criticism from observers who say it contradicts the revolutionary system’s rejection of dynastic rule. 

Analysts say the rise of Mojtaba Khamenei consolidates hardline control in Tehran and signals a more confrontational stance toward the United States and Israel during the ongoing regional conflict. 

The leadership transition comes amid an escalating war involving Iran, Israel, and U.S.-aligned forces, with missile and drone attacks reported across several Gulf countries and global oil prices rising above $100 per barrel as markets react to the crisis.

By Jeyhun Aghazada