• Mojtaba Khamenei appointed as Iran's Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts.
• The appointment is seen as a signal of continuity in Iran's hardline policies amid US-Israeli aggression.
• International leaders, including Putin and regional allies, have pledged support, while the US and Israel issue threats.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been appointed as Iran's new Supreme Leader following his father's assassination. His selection by the Assembly of Experts is viewed as a consolidation of hardline power within the Islamic Republic as Iran faces ongoing military pressure from the US and Israel in the first days of war. The swift transition underscores the ruling establishment's aim to avoid any leadership vacuum during crisis periods, according to Dawn and Channel News Asia.

Mojtaba Khamenei, described as a mid-ranking cleric with strong ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has remained largely out of the public eye until this selection, known primarily as a power broker within his father's inner circle. His appointment has ignited discussions regarding the continuity of Iran's hardline policies, with many anticipating that he will perpetuate his father's legacy amid ongoing conflicts, as noted by NPR and BBC.

In the wake of his appointment, political figures and military commanders in Iran have rallied around Mojtaba Khamenei, pledging allegiance and emphasizing the importance of unity during wartime. Public demonstrations in support of Khamenei are taking place in major cities, signaling a mix of state-endorsed loyalty alongside notable public division in opinion regarding future policies, as reported by Al Jazeera and Anadolu Agency.

International reactions have been varied, with Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulating Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment and reaffirming support for Iran amidst external threats. In contrast, US President Donald Trump criticized the selection, questioning its viability and suggesting that Khamenei could be targeted similar to his father, indicating continued tension in US-Iran relations, according to India Times, Al Jazeera, and Al Jazeera.

Mojtaba's rise to power is also seen through the lens of Iran's ongoing geopolitical conflict, with several regional actors expressing their support in the face of Western aggressions, reinforcing the notion that his leadership will continue the current trajectory of Iran's foreign policy. This development has exacerbated fears of an extended period of unrest and military conflict, as stated by Le Monde and Dawn.