On September 22, 2024, the same day as a tragic mining accident in Tabas that killed dozens of Iranian miners, an unexpected piece of news spread across media platforms. Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the clerical regime’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, released a video message announcing that he would suspend his religious classes on Islamic jurisprudence, known as “Kharej of Fiqh and Usul,” which is the highest level of study in Shia seminaries.
Mojtaba Khamenei, the most politically prominent son of the Supreme Leader, made this announcement in a rare video clip that appeared to be self-recorded. The low quality of the video, given his family’s vast wealth, was notable, seemingly intended to convey a sense of spontaneity and authenticity. In the video, Mojtaba said, “The suspension of these classes is a personal decision and has no political connection. It is a matter between me and God.”
He continued in traditional seminary language, saying, “This suspension may be temporary or permanent. I do not know yet.” His statement left open the possibility that he might resume the lessons, which have been in place since 2009 following his involvement in the brutal crackdown on nationwide protests that year.
In Shia seminaries, teaching “Kharej of Fiqh” is considered the pinnacle of religious education, often undertaken by scholars who are on the path to becoming Marja, or senior clerical authorities for Shia Muslims. However, some senior religious figures have voiced concerns in recent years about the declining standards of such teachings, as more and more clerics offer the lessons without the proper qualifications.
Many analysts believe that Ali Khamenei has been working behind the scenes to elevate his son’s status within the political and religious hierarchy. Mojtaba’s involvement in these religious classes has been seen as part of a broader effort to prepare him for a more prominent role in Iran’s leadership. Graduates of these classes, known as Mujtahids, reach a level of jurisprudence that allows them to issue independent legal rulings in Shia Islam.
For years, Mojtaba Khamenei has been rumored to be a likely successor to his father, despite frequent denials from regime insiders. However, this video surfaced alongside reports, allegedly from Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, the head of Khamenei’s office, hinting at the possibility of Ali Khamenei’s retirement—a rumor that was swiftly denied.
These developments also follow the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash earlier this year, which many saw as boosting Mojtaba’s chances of succession. Despite the video being framed as a personal and apolitical gesture, it quickly became a major story, with both domestic and foreign media offering various interpretations.
State media, which referred to Mojtaba Khamenei as “Ayatollah” with striking emphasis, echoed a uniform narrative, quoting cleric Saeed Solh Mirzaei, a member of the Assembly of Experts. Mirzaei praised the suspension, stating, “The decision by Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei has sparked much attention and analysis, but the true reason seems to be his following the path of ethical scholars, who would sometimes suspend their lessons to cultivate spiritual humility.”
Mirzaei further commented in Tasnim News, a pro-regime outlet: “I have repeatedly heard from senior clerics in Tehran about Ayatollah Mojtaba’s extreme piety and caution. His behavior mirrors the esteemed traditions of past religious leaders.”
Some analysts have linked the public release of this video to security concerns, speculating that it may be related to increased Israeli operations against Iran’s proxy forces in the region. However, for someone like Mojtaba Khamenei, who has largely remained in the shadows, the video has undeniably drawn more public attention to him—potentially undermining the security-related explanation.
The recent incident surrounding Mojtaba Khamenei also revived past controversies, including allegations that he smuggled gold out of Iran following the 2009 protests. One of the most widely circulated opposition slogans during the protests was, “Mojtaba, we hope you die before you become the leader!” This chant reflected widespread fear that the supreme leadership could become a hereditary position.
In 2011, WikiLeaks released a report alleging that Mojtaba had made multiple trips to London, raising suspicions about his financial activities abroad. According to the leaked cables from the U.S. Embassy in London, these trips fueled speculation that he might be involved in moving assets or securing foreign investments.
The Iranian regime, long known for its opacity and reliance on deception to mislead the public, is now using state media to bolster Mojtaba Khamenei’s image. They portray him as a figure of piety and virtue, carefully shaping a narrative that serves the regime’s interests. However, what remains undeniable is Ali Khamenei’s declining health, growing internal strife within a regime besieged by political and socio-economic turmoil, and escalating international crises.
Source » ncr-iran