Mojtaba Khamenei has assumed the role of Iran’s new Supreme Leader amid a joint attack by the United States and Israel. Iran’s president, parliament speaker, foreign minister, and all major political and military institutions have expressed strong support for him. However, he faces a series of serious challenges as he takes office.

According to Al Jazeera’s Tehran correspondent Tohid Asadi, the new leader inherits a crippled economy weakened by years of international sanctions and internal mismanagement. Domestically, he must also contend with social divisions and opposition groups. Following his appointment, supporters gathered in several parts of Tehran, including the politically significant Enqelab Square, where some were attacked.

Asadi described Iran as a polarized society, noting that widespread protests erupted in late December over economic issues that later expanded to include political and social demands. It remains uncertain whether the new Supreme Leader will bring change or effectively address these complex challenges.