NEW DELHI: Iran's Assembly of Experts has named Ayatollah Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the Islamic Republic's new supreme leader, just 10 days after his father's assassination in the opening strikes of the joint US-Israeli military campaign.

The decision, announced early Monday by state media, came after a closed session of the 88-member clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader under Iran's constitution. Mojtaba Khamenei, a hard-line cleric with deep ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was chosen by a decisive vote, signaling continuity in the regime's hardline stance despite the devastating war that has crippled much of Iran's military and energy infrastructure.

Mojtaba, long viewed as a shadowy power broker behind his father's rule, had never held public office but wielded significant influence in security and intelligence matters. His wife and reportedly one child were killed in the February 28 strikes that targeted leadership compounds in Tehran. Supporters rallied in Tehran streets upon the announcement, chanting in celebration, while the IRGC and military commanders swiftly pledged allegiance. Hardliners hailed the move as a show of resilience, with state TV declaring it a "decisive step to preserve the sacred system" amid external aggression.

The appointment comes as the conflict escalates. US and Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes on oil depots, refineries, and remaining missile sites, while Iran has launched retaliatory barrages on Israel and Gulf allies, including recent hits on Saudi Aramco facilities and UAE ports. Oil prices have soared to multi-year highs above $112 per barrel for Brent crude, fueling global economic fears.

US President Donald Trump reacted sharply to the news. In comments relayed through Fox News anchor Brian Kilmeade and echoed in interviews, Trump said he was "not happy" with the appointment. He reiterated earlier warnings that any new leader without US approval "is not going to last long," describing Mojtaba as an unacceptable choice and suggesting the US would continue operations to weaken the regime. "We'll see what happens," Trump added, indicating consultations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on next steps. Trump has previously demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" and vowed to prevent any nuclear-capable leadership from emerging.

The selection of Mojtaba, seen by critics as entrenching dynastic rule—has drawn mixed reactions. Opposition voices inside Iran reportedly chanted "Death to Mojtaba" from windows in Tehran, reflecting dissent amid wartime hardship. Internationally, China and Russia condemned the ongoing strikes as violations of sovereignty, while the UN Security Council remains deadlocked on resolutions.

As Mojtaba assumes command of Iran's armed forces and ultimate authority over policy, the war shows no signs of abating. Analysts warn his hardline orientation could prolong the conflict, with risks of further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional involvement. Casualties continue to rise, with over 1,300 reported killed, including additional US service members from recent Iranian counterstrikes.

The transition marks a pivotal moment in Iran's 47-year history, as the regime fights for survival under a new Khamenei amid unprecedented external pressure.