Iran's Leadership Rift Widens as Mojtaba Khamenei Faces Power Struggles

Following the funeral of Ali Khamenei, Iran's leadership is experiencing a deepening internal conflict, with Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader's son, struggling to consolidate control. According to senior sources cited by The New York Times on July 5, 2026, this power struggle is not just about policy disagreements but a broader battle over Iran's future direction and who will shape the new Supreme Leader's path. Unlike his father Ali Khamenei, who held near-absolute authority, Mojtaba's power is significantly diminished, with decision-making becoming more collective, involving senior Revolutionary Guards commanders and political figures.

The leadership is split between a pragmatic faction, including President Masoud Pezhkian, Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, and Supreme National Security Council head Mohammad-Baqer Zolqadr, advocating for ending hostilities with the U.S. and pursuing diplomatic and economic recovery. Opposing them is an ultra-conservative camp, including members of the Paydari Front and supporters of Saeed Jalili, who reject any compromise with Washington, especially on nuclear issues, and favor continued confrontation.

Recent weeks have seen heightened tensions, with ultra-conservatives accusing pragmatic leaders of bypassing parliament and undermining the Supreme Leader's authority by pushing agreements with the U.S. These accusations have sparked aggressive protests, including calls for the deaths of Qalibaf and Pezhkian. A key point of contention is control over the Strait of Hormuz, where opponents claim the current agreements compromise Iranian sovereignty by allowing U.S.-backed shipping routes.

Mojtaba Khamenei's absence from public view since his appointment raises doubts about his ability to manage these conflicts. His upcoming appointments to critical positions such as head of the judiciary, state broadcasting chief, Basij militia commander, and his own office head are expected to signal which faction he supports and could decisively influence the internal power balance. Notably, reports about the judiciary chief's reappointment have been contradictory, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty.

The leadership crisis in Iran reveals a shift from the previous era's centralized control to a fragmented power structure, with the Supreme Leader's role now one voice among many. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Iran's political trajectory amid this unprecedented internal division.