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

Following the funeral of Ali Khamenei, a deepening power struggle has emerged within Iran's top leadership, highlighting a significant loss of control by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei. Unlike his father, who wielded near-absolute authority, Mojtaba is contending with a divided conservative camp and a more collective decision-making process, particularly involving senior Revolutionary Guards commanders. Sources told The New York Times that the visible disputes over relations with the United States and Western policy are only the surface of a broader conflict over Iran's future direction and who will shape the new Supreme Leader's path.

The conservative camp 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 economic recovery, and an ultra-conservative faction led by Saeed Jalili's supporters, opposing any compromise and favoring continued confrontation. This internal rift has weakened Mojtaba's position, with his absence from public life raising doubts about his ability to govern effectively.

A key point of contention is the control of the Strait of Hormuz, where opponents of the U.S. agreement argue that Iran has conceded sovereignty by allowing U.S.-backed shipping routes. The ultra-conservatives have intensified their criticism, accusing pragmatic leaders of bypassing parliament and undermining the Supreme Leader's authority. Protests and calls for the dismissal of government figures like Qalibaf and Pezhkian have surfaced amid fears of a political coup.

Mojtaba Khamenei faces critical upcoming appointments, including the heads of the judiciary, state broadcasting, the Basij militia, and his own office. These decisions are expected to signal his political alignment and could decisively influence the internal power balance. Recent reports indicate uncertainty over renewing the judiciary chief's term and potential shifts in state media control, which is currently dominated by hardliners.

The leadership crisis underscores a historic shift in Iran's governance, moving away from the absolute rule of Ali Khamenei toward a fragmented and contested power structure. The coming weeks will be pivotal in determining the country's political trajectory amid ongoing domestic and international challenges.