Iran’s hardline regime doubles down on extremism as Israel and allies face emboldened terror networks.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps publicly pledged loyalty to Mojtaba Khamenei after he was appointed the country’s new supreme leader by the Assembly of Experts, formally continuing the ruling clerical dynasty established by his father. The powerful military organization declared its readiness to fully obey the authority of the new leader and carry out his directives with complete commitment.
In an official statement, the IRGC emphasized that it stands prepared for total obedience and sacrifice in executing the orders of the new Guardian Jurist. The declaration reflects the deep influence Mojtaba Khamenei has long held within Iran’s security apparatus, particularly among the Revolutionary Guards, who have been widely viewed as key supporters of his rise to power.
Iran-backed militant organizations across the Middle East quickly welcomed the appointment, highlighting the regime’s continued alliance with armed groups hostile to Israel and Western interests. Yemen’s Houthi rebels congratulated Iran’s leadership and people, calling Mojtaba Khamenei’s selection a major development during a period of escalating confrontation involving Israel and the United States.
The Houthis described the leadership change as a victory for Iran’s revolutionary system and claimed it represented a blow against those opposing the Islamic Republic. In Iraq, the Shiite militia Kataib Hezbollah also praised the decision, declaring that Mojtaba Khamenei possesses the leadership qualities required to guide Iran during what it described as critical times.
For years Mojtaba Khamenei has been considered one of the most influential figures within Iran’s internal power structure and a favored candidate of the Revolutionary Guard leadership. Despite that backing, his path to succession reportedly faced resistance and political complications inside Iran’s clerical establishment.
Recent reports also indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei was wounded during the opening phase of Operation Roaring Lion last week. According to those reports he survived the attempted strike, though several members of his family including his father, mother, wife and son were killed during the attack.
The leadership transition has also drawn strong reaction from the United States. President Donald Trump openly opposed Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment, stating that Iran requires leadership capable of bringing stability rather than escalating confrontation.
Trump warned that any new Iranian supreme leader would need to demonstrate a willingness to change course or risk losing international legitimacy and stability. He emphasized that preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear ambitions remains a key objective and stated that the goal is to avoid repeated cycles of confrontation in the future.
