Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei Plans to Replace Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ezhei

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly preparing to remove Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ezhei from his position as head of the judiciary. According to the opposition news site Iran International, Mohseni-Ezhei, a senior and influential figure in Iran's leadership, is expected to complete his first five-year term without renewal, breaking a nearly four-decade tradition of judiciary chiefs serving two consecutive terms totaling ten years.

This move is not aimed at judicial reform but is part of a broader reshuffling of power centers within Iran following the recent war. Khamenei is said to be replacing key officials with loyalists to consolidate control over the judiciary, security apparatus, and political power hubs. Mohseni-Ezhei has overseen the judiciary's role in suppressing protesters and prosecuting them.

The decision follows growing criticism from hardline factions within Iran, who accuse Mohseni-Ezhei of contradicting Khamenei's stance, particularly regarding a memorandum of understanding with the United States. Official and semi-official sources have expressed dissatisfaction with his performance during his tenure. In a message marking Judiciary Week, Khamenei did not explicitly endorse Mohseni-Ezhei's continuation but instead urged the judiciary to implement reforms and combat corruption, echoing former leader Ali Khamenei's directives.

Mohseni-Ezhei responded with a letter pledging commitment to judicial change and adherence to Khamenei's instructions. However, some insiders criticized the timing of his letter, interpreting the Supreme Leader's repeated calls for reform as implicit criticism of Mohseni-Ezhei's effectiveness. Meanwhile, media aligned with Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian suggest the attacks on Mohseni-Ezhei are part of an ultra-hardline campaign to sow discord among Iran's leadership and undermine the post-war political trajectory.

Iran International's report gains credibility as it was the first to reveal that the Assembly of Experts plans to appoint Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader, succeeding Ali Khamenei. Mohseni-Ezhei's removal would mark a significant shift in Iran's judiciary and political landscape.