Shadow Cleric Mojtaba Khamenei Poised to Lead Iran, Backed by IRGC

• Mojtaba Khamenei, son of late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is likely chosen as Iran's next Supreme Leader after US-Israeli strikes.
• Despite lacking formal religious or military titles, his power stems from decades of shadow governance and deep ties with the IRGC.
• He forged strong bonds with future IRGC leaders in the Habib Battalion during the Iran-Iraq War, earning their trust as a "comrade-in-arms."
• As chief of staff for Bait-e-Rahbari, he controlled access to his father and acted as the primary channel for IRGC promotions and directives.
• The IRGC views him as the "wisest pick" for stability, offering direct continuity and a unique moral position as "vali-e dam" in a time of crisis.