Iran reappoints a familiar face to powerful post during Khamenei funeral | US-Israel war on Iran News
Tehran, Iran — Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei has been reappointed as Iran’s chief justice, a decision confirmed by Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This announcement coincides with ongoing preparations for the funeral of Khamenei, who passed away earlier this week.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father in March, communicated the reappointment of the 69-year-old cleric for a new five-year term through a text message attributed to Iran’s new leadership.
In Tehran, large crowds are expected to gather to honor the remains of Khamenei and four family members, all of whom were killed in an airstrike on February 28, marking the beginning of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The funeral procession will be secured by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and will make its way to Qom and neighboring Iraq before concluding in Mashhad, a city revered in Shia Islam, located in northeastern Iran.
Mohseni-Ejei was seen at the funeral alongside notable figures, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In his message of confirmation, Mojtaba Khamenei urged Mohseni-Ejei to tackle corruption and pursue judicial reforms while holding accountable “arrogant powers” and “global aggressors.”
In a statement to state television, Mohseni-Ejei reiterated his commitment to the Islamic Republic’s objectives, noting public calls for retribution following Khamenei’s assassination. He emphasized the importance of deterring such criminal acts in the future.
Earlier this week, Mohseni-Ejei affirmed his support for the “axis of resistance,” a coalition of armed groups aligned with Iran, and vowed to take strict measures against those involved in hoarding or price gouging amid Iran’s economic challenges.
Under his watch, particularly since last year’s conflict with Israel and the U.S., the judiciary has intensified prosecutions of espionage and security-related offenses, leading to a significant rise in executions of individuals charged with security crimes. Human rights organizations indicate that these executions have reached levels not seen since the late 1980s, following the war with Iraq.
In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Mohseni-Ejei has powers outlined in Article 158 of the Iranian constitution, which includes authority over appointments within the judiciary and influence over the electoral and legislative processes through the Guardian Council.
Recently, he participated in a temporary leadership council following Khamenei’s death, which was tasked with guiding the nation until a new Supreme Leader was named. His contributions to discussions on national security issues, including a recent U.S.-Iran memorandum aimed at halting conflict, further illustrate his role in Iran’s political landscape.
Mojtaba Khamenei has not made public appearances since his father’s death due to security concerns, as threats from Israeli officials persist. His lack of visibility has spurred discussions about the timing of his first public address, with various media outlets suggesting that when he does appear, it should maximize impact against adversaries.
Despite speculation about possible changes in leadership following Mohseni-Ejei’s previous term’s conclusion, his reappointment signifies a commitment to continuity during a volatile period for Iran, as the government navigates ongoing conflicts and internal challenges.