On May 19, Iranian President Raisi tragically died in a sudden plane crash.
As a potential successor to Khamenei, Raisi's unexpected death has drastically changed the political landscape in Iran, making the issue of the succession of the Supreme Spiritual Leader even more complex.
Amid widespread speculation and discussion, a special figure has drawn significant attention: Mojtaba.
Information about Mojtaba on the internet is very scarce, making him extremely mysterious.
However, based on existing public information, it can be analyzed and judged that he undoubtedly possesses five major advantages that make him a strong candidate to become Iran's next Supreme Spiritual Leader.
Firstly, Mojtaba is the youngest son of the current Iranian Supreme Spiritual Leader, Khamenei.
The Khamenei family is a direct descendant of Muhammad's second son, Hussein, giving them pure lineage, known as Sayyid.
This lineage advantage provides Mojtaba with inherent authority and influence within Iran's religious and political systems.
Secondly, Mojtaba studied at the Qom Seminary in his youth. He studied under renowned conservative clerics, earned a professorship at the seminary, and was later awarded the title of Ayatollah.
Being an Ayatollah is one of the essential qualifications to become the Supreme Spiritual Leader, indicating that Mojtaba has reached the necessary height in religious education and credentials.
This religious background not only enhances his prestige but also garners substantial support from conservatives.
Thirdly, Mojtaba currently controls Iran's elite force—the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which boasts 500,000 troops.
Mojtaba participated in the Iran-Iraq War in his youth and worked in various security and intelligence departments, receiving systematic military training and gaining extensive experience in military operations.
Under his father Khamenei's arrangement, he has held significant military and security positions and currently oversees Iran's major financial sectors.
These experiences give him strong influence and control in both military and economic fields.
Fourthly, Mojtaba was born in 1969 and is now 55 years old, a mature and steady phase of life.
Khamenei was 50 when he succeeded Khomeini as the Supreme Spiritual Leader.
In comparison, even if Mojtaba becomes Iran's third Supreme Spiritual Leader in the future, he would still be a few years older than Khamenei was at the time, at the peak of his energy and strength.
This age advantage makes him more stable and rational in decision-making and leadership.
Lastly, Mojtaba has a good network of relationships and a positive public image.
According to foreign media reports, he not only has a loyal group of confidants in military management but also frequently participates in public activities in Tehran and other major cities, interacting with the public and showcasing a "warm, gentle, and approachable" image.
This approachable image has earned him public recognition and praise, further solidifying his status in Iranian society.
These five major advantages make Mojtaba almost unrivaled after Raisi's death.
Firstly, his lineage background gives him natural authority in religion and politics.
Secondly, his credentials in religious education have earned him conservative support.
Thirdly, his control in the military and economic sectors ensures his grasp of national security and economic power.
His age advantage makes him more stable and rational in leadership.
Lastly, his good network of relationships and approachable image give him high public prestige and support.
Considering these advantages, Mojtaba is almost unbeatable on Iran's future political stage.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, it is highly likely that he will succeed Khamenei and become Iran's third Supreme Spiritual Leader in the future.
This possibility is particularly prominent in the current Iranian situation, as Khamenei is already advanced in age, and Raisi's sudden death makes Mojtaba the most promising successor.
However, Mojtaba's rise is not without challenges.
In Iran's complex political environment, the power struggles among various factions will inevitably affect the succession process.
Despite Mojtaba's many advantages, whether he can smoothly take over depends on the combined effects of various factors.
For example, whether he can further consolidate his position in the coming time, gain more support, and manage relationships with other powerful political figures and religious leaders.
Overall, Mojtaba's future path is full of opportunities and challenges.
His lineage, religious credentials, military and economic control, age advantage, and good network of relationships provide him with strong competitiveness.
However, balancing the interests of various parties in a complex political environment will be a significant test for him.
How Iran's political landscape will develop in the future and whether Mojtaba can successfully succeed remains to be seen.
But one thing is certain: in the current Iranian situation, he has already become a figure of significant attention.
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