TEHRAN — Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Iran’s late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, has been selected as the new Supreme Leader of Iran following a decision by the powerful clerical council responsible for choosing the country’s highest authority. The announcement was made on Sunday after deliberations by the Assembly of Experts, the body tasked with appointing the nation’s supreme leader.

The appointment comes shortly after the death of Ali Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989. His son’s elevation marks a historic moment in the Islamic Republic, as it is the first time leadership has effectively passed from father to son since the overthrow of the monarchy during the Iranian Revolution.

A controversial succession

Mojtaba Khamenei, a mid-ranking cleric believed to be in his mid-50s, has long been considered a possible successor to his father due to his close ties with the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other influential institutions within Iran’s political system.

However, his appointment has sparked debate both within Iran and internationally. Critics argue that the selection raises concerns about the emergence of dynastic leadership in a country whose founding ideology explicitly rejected hereditary rule. The Islamic Republic was established in 1979 after the revolution that toppled the monarchy of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, making the idea of a father-to-son succession politically sensitive.

Rising geopolitical tensions

The decision also comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei was the most likely successor and warned that such an outcome would be unacceptable to Washington.

Analysts say the appointment could further complicate an already volatile regional situation, particularly as Iran faces mounting military pressure and diplomatic isolation following recent attacks and escalating conflict in the region.

Challenges ahead

Despite his strong connections within Iran’s security establishment, Mojtaba Khamenei has never held a formal government position and lacks the senior religious credentials traditionally associated with the office of supreme leader. This has led some observers to question how he will consolidate authority among the country’s powerful clerical and military institutions.

As Iran enters a new chapter under its third supreme leader since 1979, the leadership transition is expected to shape the country’s domestic politics, foreign policy, and ongoing regional conflicts in the months ahead.

Zimbabwe captured significant international attention at the prestigious ITB Berlin tourism expo in Berlin, Germany, as the country’s stand drew strong interest from global travel professionals during a special guided visit organised by the event’s management team.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, delivered a compelling presentation to more than 30 international trade visitors, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a leading tourism destination.

The engagement formed part of a curated tour by the ITB Berlin team, which selected only six stands from hundreds of exhibitors for the exclusive visit a recognition of Zimbabwe’s rising prominence in the global tourism industry.

Minister Rwodzi, who was recently honoured as African Minister of the Year by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA), used the platform to showcase Zimbabwe’s diverse tourism portfolio and investment opportunities.

During the presentation, she highlighted the country’s unique blend of iconic natural attractions, rich wildlife heritage, vibrant cultural traditions, and authentic travel experiences that continue to attract international visitors.

“Zimbabwe offers travellers unforgettable experiences from majestic natural wonders and world-class wildlife encounters to our warm hospitality, cultural heritage and diverse cuisine,” said Minister Rwodzi.

The interaction allowed international travel buyers, tour operators and industry stakeholders to engage directly with the Zimbabwe delegation, fostering stronger partnerships and opening new opportunities for tourism promotion and business collaborations.

Zimbabwe’s participation at ITB Berlin forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to increase tourist arrivals and strengthen the country’s presence in key global tourism markets.

Industry experts attending the event expressed strong interest in Zimbabwe’s tourism offerings, with many noting the country’s unique combination of adventure, nature and cultural experiences.

The successful engagement further reinforces Zimbabwe’s position as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map, as the nation continues to market its world-renowned attractions such as Victoria Falls, national parks and heritage sites to international travellers.

ITB Berlin is widely regarded as one of the world’s largest and most influential tourism trade fairs, bringing together thousands of tourism professionals, destinations and travel businesses from across the globe.

Zimbabwe’s strong presence at the event signals growing international confidence in the country’s tourism sector as it continues to expand partnerships and attract visitors from key global markets.

Iran has formally confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel, according to Iranian state broadcasters on Sunday.

Khamenei, who was 86 and had ruled Iran for more than three decades, was killed during the attacks carried out on February 28, 2026. Authorities have announced a 40-day national mourning period in his honour.

The news was first made public by former US President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social, describing the killing as “justice for the people of Iran.”

Reports indicate that the air campaign struck targets across 24 Iranian provinces, leaving at least 201 people dead. Among those killed were the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a senior national security adviser.

In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes, including attacks on the US Fifth Fleet stationed in Bahrain, as well as other American military facilities in the region. Iranian missiles also struck Tel Aviv, killing at least one civilian.

Iran has further escalated the situation by moving to shut down the vital Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

Khamenei’s death has plunged Iran into political uncertainty. The Assembly of Experts is constitutionally mandated to appoint a new Supreme Leader, but analysts warn the transition could take several paths — from the continuation of clerical authority to direct military rule, or even a broader collapse of the current system.

Public reaction within Tehran has been sharply divided. While some citizens have been seen celebrating in the streets, highlighting longstanding social and political grievances, others are openly mourning the long-time leader.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has urged all parties to immediately de-escalate, cautioning that the rapidly intensifying conflict risks igniting a wider regional war.