Iran's New Supreme Leader's Shadow Business Empire: Oil, Real Estate, and Financial Undercurrents
Iran's Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as the country's third Supreme Leader amid external threats and internal power struggles. Despite his low public profile and lack of elected or official roles, Mojtaba has long been a central figure in Iran’s power structure, acting as a key advisor and gatekeeper to his father.
The U.S. and Israel have expressed strong opposition to his appointment, with former President Trump dismissing him as insignificant. However, Mojtaba has deep ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and played a role in suppressing the 2009 Green Movement protests.
A Bloomberg investigation revealed Mojtaba’s hidden global business empire, allegedly funded by Iranian oil revenues and managed through intermediaries. His financial network includes real estate in London, Dubai, Frankfurt, and Mallorca, as well as cryptocurrency transactions. Iranian businessman Ali Ansari is identified as a key figure holding assets on his behalf, though Ansari faces international sanctions for corruption and ties to the IRGC.
Mojtaba’s succession has sparked domestic criticism over concerns of hereditary rule and his lack of religious credentials. President Masoud Pezeshkian’s temporary enhanced powers have done little to stabilize the situation, as the IRGC remains influential in shaping leadership decisions. Iran now faces intensified internal divisions and external pressures under its new leader.
marsbit03/09 09:30
