Iran's New Supreme Leader Mujtaba Khamenei Ousts Judiciary Chief Breaking 40-Year Tradition

Iran is witnessing a major political upheaval as the new Supreme Leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, plans to dismiss the powerful head of the judiciary, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, at the end of his first five-year term. This decision breaks a nearly 40-year tradition where judiciary chiefs served two consecutive terms to ensure system stability. Sources inside Iran told Iran International that Mujtaba Khamenei, who recently succeeded his father Ali Khamenei, has decided not to extend Mohseni-Ejei's tenure, signaling a significant shift in the country's power dynamics following recent leadership changes and the latest regional conflict.

The move is not motivated by judicial reform or liberalization but is part of Mujtaba Khamenei's broader effort to consolidate control by appointing loyalists to key state institutions. Mohseni-Ejei, considered one of the most influential figures in the Islamic Republic, faces mounting pressure from radical conservative factions, especially after it was revealed he supported a controversial memorandum of understanding with the United States, contradicting the elder Khamenei's stance.

Official media and semi-official outlets close to the leadership have recently expressed dissatisfaction with Mohseni-Ejei's performance. In a rare public message during "Judiciary Week," Mujtaba Khamenei refrained from endorsing Mohseni-Ejei's continuation and instead urged the judiciary to implement the late Ali Khamenei's directives, emphasizing anti-corruption, public rights protection, and reducing lobbying influences. Mohseni-Ejei responded with a humble public letter pledging to continue judicial transformation and follow the Supreme Leader's orders precisely.

Internal power struggles within Iran's ruling elite are intensifying, with factions aligned with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and President Masoud Pezeshkian accusing hardliners led by Saeed Jalili and the Paydari Front of attempting to destabilize the post-war political order. Supporters of Mohseni-Ejei highlight his achievements, including reducing prisoner numbers and speeding up trials. However, international human rights organizations criticize Mohseni-Ejei as a longtime enforcer of repression, responsible for harsh sentences against protesters, journalists, and minorities. They warn that replacing him with Mujtaba Khamenei's loyalist will not improve human rights without deep structural reforms and an end to torture and forced confessions.