Iran’s top officials, clerics, and armed forces rally behind Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei

March 9, 2026 - 20:43

Tehran - In a decisive display of constitutional continuity and national solidarity, senior Iranian military commanders, political leaders, and heads of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches have formally pledged their allegiance to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Leader of the Islamic Revolution.

The succession follows the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 in an act of U.S.-Israeli military aggression against Iran. Despite this profound loss, the Islamic Republic has demonstrated remarkable institutional resilience, ensuring the uninterrupted stewardship of the nation during a period of heightened external pressure.

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Leader, now carries forward the mantle of the Islamic Revolution, with his swift and unanimous endorsement by top officials reflecting deep ideological cohesion within the establishment.

Across the nation, widespread domestic reactions have begun to unfold.

Pezeshkian: New Leader ushers in era of national honor and unity

President Masoud Pezeshkian hailed the election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as heralding "a new era of honor and authority for the Iranian nation."

In a statement, Pezeshkian said the selection manifests "the embodiment of the will of the Islamic Ummah in strengthening national unity."

The statement underscored the foundational role played by the late Leader “in preserving the system and elevating the Revolution,” which he stressed signals “a solid foundation for Iran's future."

He hoped Iran would reach "a brilliant horizon of sustainable independence, scientific and technological progress, and comprehensive development."

Pezeshkian also said the decision made by the Assembly of Experts to elect Mojtaba Khamenei reflected the “wise and decisive” choice of the clerical body following the death of his late father. He stressed that the selection would reinforce national unity and help Iran confront hostile plots by its enemies.

Ejei: Assembly fulfilled its historic duty

Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei called the election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei a decisive and hopeful step for the Islamic Republic.

Mohseni-Ejei praised the Assembly of Experts for fulfilling its “religious, legal, and historic duty.” He said the body demonstrated its decisive role in safeguarding the country’s stability and cohesion during a critical moment.

He urged all Iranians, regardless of political or religious differences, to pledge allegiance, unite around the son of the late Leader, and defend Iran against aggressors.

Qalibaf: Leader’s election a stabilizing force amid aggression

Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf praised the Assembly's "firm and precise decision" in electing Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as a "soothing balm" amid the continued U.S.-Israeli aggression.

Qalibaf described Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as pious, wise, revolutionary, people-oriented, and courageous.

He affirmed absolute obedience to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, calling such obedience a "definitive religious and national duty."

Ali Larijani: New Leader nurtured in the school of leadership

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani hailed Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei for having been "nurtured in the school of leadership."

"God willing, his presence will be a source of goodness and blessing. Drawing on the teachings he received from his esteemed father, he is capable of guiding the country. Our hope is that during the leadership of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran will move forward on the path of development," Iran’s security chief wrote on X.

SNSC: Leadership transition reflects strength of Islamic Republic

The Supreme National Security Council also issued a statement pledging unwavering allegiance to the new Leader.

The statement said in the wake of the profound loss of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s father, who courageously steered the nation through decades of resistance against arrogant powers and their aggression, this swift transition underscores the divine resilience and institutional strength of Iran's Islamic Revolution.

The council affirmed it would maintain the same unyielding discipline, loyalty, and operational commitment it demonstrated under the visionary leadership of the late Leader. The council emphasized its sincere, lifelong devotion and complete readiness to comply with the directives issued by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Defense Ministry: Armed forces pledge loyalty to rightful successor

The Ministry of Defense congratulated the Iranian nation and Muslims worldwide on the "worthy, intelligent, and thoughtful" election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, calling him the rightful successor to Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The ministry declared its steadfast allegiance and resolve to stand by the new Leader.

Defense Council: Loyalty to Commander-in-Chief 

Referring to the selection of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme National Defense Council said in a statement that it would remain obedient to the Commander-in-Chief “to the last drop of blood.”

The council stated that with the election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, the path and ideals of Imam Khomeini and the martyred Leader of the Revolution have been firmly secured and made everlasting, underscoring that the council's members would remain steadfast in defending the values of the Islamic Revolution.

RGC vows unwavering obedience

In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps extended its heartfelt congratulations to the noble and faithful people of Iran, describing the new Leader as a comprehensive jurist, a profoundly insightful young thinker, and the most knowledgeable authority on the political and social issues of the present era.

The statement affirmed the IRGC's full respect, devotion, and unwavering obedience to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. As the "powerful soldier and arm" of Iran's Islamic establishment, the IRGC expressed readiness to carry out the Leader's commands.

The IRGC emphasized that this swift and decisive election, achieved through the thorough and majority consensus of the expert jurists, demonstrated the enduring vitality and independence of Iran's Islamic establishment.

Basij reaffirms loyalty

Iran's Basij volunteer forces pledged full allegiance to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new Leader.

In a statement, the organization declared that its members are ready to serve the nation and defend the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.

It emphasized that the bond between the country's Leader and the people is rooted in religious knowledge and revolutionary insight, and that the path of the Revolution remains unchanged.

Intelligence Ministry pledges full obedience 

Minister of Intelligence Ismail Khatib conveyed the Ministry of Intelligence's pledge of allegiance.

It affirmed that the hearts of the global Muslim nation would beat stronger in obedience to the new Leader's guardianship amid confrontation with the "evil American-Zionist axis."

Praising the divine guidance that transformed "great mourning" into a "great epic of allegiance," the ministry said despite the U.S.-Israeli imposed war and threats from the Trump-Netanyahu military campaign and their mercenaries, Iran avoids deadlock and maintains a clear path to victory.

In a separate statement, the Ministry of Intelligence likewise pledged allegiance to the new Leader.

It said Iran’s Islamic establishment would continue to endure and prevail, vowing intelligence forces' full obedience and readiness to defend the Islamic Republic.

Expediency Council: Timely decision ensured leadership continuity

Chairman of Iran's Expediency Council, Sadeq Amoli Larijani, said the election had come at a critical moment following the martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

He described the decision by the Assembly of Experts as timely and decisive. Amoli Larijani noted that this helped ease the emotional pain of the Iranian people and ensured continuity in the country’s leadership.

He said the Islamic Republic’s strong institutional structure prevents a leadership vacuum and urged Iranians, especially officials and intellectuals, to unite around the new Leader, continue the path of the Revolution and the martyrs, and resist threats and plots by the country’s enemies.


Araghchi: Diplomats pledge allegiance to third Leader

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Foreign Ministry will spare no effort in defending the nation’s rights following the election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Leader.

"Along with all the diplomats of the Islamic Republic — including ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, consuls general, and other heads of our missions abroad, as well as the deputies, directors, and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs inside the country — I declare our allegiance to the third Leader of the Islamic Revolution. We pledge that we will not rest for a moment in defending the rights of the great Iranian nation, advancing national interests and security, and fulfilling the lofty goals of the Islamic Revolution," he wrote on X.

He added, "In the country’s current sensitive and critical circumstances, this choice will undoubtedly safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and it will further strengthen national unity and cohesion."

Lawmakers unite behind continuation of Revolution’s path

Iranian lawmakers pledged allegiance to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

In a statement on Monday, the lawmakers described the new Leader as the most suitable personality to continue the luminous path of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, and his later father Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The MPs said Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei would lead the nation with the same wisdom, firmness, faith in the people, and revolutionary spirit.

"We bow in reverence before the grandeur and splendor of the struggles of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution and extend our condolences over his martyrdom to the noble nation of Iran, the global Muslim nation, and all freedom-loving people around the world," the statement read.

Hassan Khomeini: Path of Imam Khomeini will continue

Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Imam Khomeini, felicitated the election of Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s Leader.

Seyyed Hassan said he believes God will grant the Iranian people the victory they have been promised. He described the path of Islam laid out by his grandfather and Ayatollah Khamenei as one that will continue under the new Leadership with the support of all officials.

He urged Iranians to focus on defending the country against "brutal aggression" from Israel and the United States.

High-ranking religious authority: Assembly’s decision frustrated enemies

In separate messages, Grand Ayatollahs Jafar Sobhani, Abdollah Javadi Amoli, Naser Makarem Shirazi, and Hossein Noori Hamedani also congratulated Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his election as Leader.

Ayatollah Noori-Hamedani praised the Assembly of Experts for a wise choice, saying the new Leader possesses all the necessary qualifications, including "jurisprudence, courage, piety, awareness of the times, management skills, and deep commitment to the path of Imam Khomeini and the late Leader."

He emphasized that by introducing him as the Leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Assembly has once again disappointed and frustrated the enemies of this nation.

Ayatollah Noori-Hamedani stressed the importance of adherence to the principle of Wilayat al-Faqih as the foundation of the Islamic Revolution, urging the nation and officials to rally behind the Leader with insight and unity, continuing the proud path of the Revolution with strength and steadfastness.

The swift consolidation of support from political institutions, military bodies, clerical authorities, and elected officials reflects the Islamic Republic’s determination to preserve stability and unity during a period of external pressure. Observers say the rapid transition of leadership and the broad pledge of allegiance by key institutions underscore the resilience of Iran’s political system and its commitment to continuing the path of the Islamic Revolution.