Iran International:

Mojtaba Khamenei, a cleric and the son of Iran’s Supreme Leader, has surprised many in Iran by announcing the suspension of his religious lectures, describing the decision as "either permanent or temporary."

The announcement came during his online lecture on Sunday, marking the end of his 13-year tenure as a religious lecturer that could help make him an Ayatollah one day..

In a video statement, Khamenei said that the decision was personal, adding, “This has nothing to do with political matters and is an issue between me and God.” He further noted that he had only informed two individuals about the decision and that even his father, Ali Khamenei, was unaware of his decision.

Iranian media reported that approximately 700 students were enrolled in Mojtaba Khamenei's class, which focused on Islamic jurisprudence.

Speculation about the suspension has circulated widely, with some attributing the move to concerns over his security, given his status as a potential successor to his father. For years, the younger Khamenei has been seen as a potential successor to his father, sparking widespread debate among Iranians and online, despite limited acknowledgment or discussion from Iranian officials.

In April 2023, a leaked document reportedly from a confidential meeting between senior IRGC commanders and the Supreme Leader suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei was actively pursuing the succession project. The document also implied that Mojtaba had begun influencing high-level appointments, bypassing figures such as Ebrahim Raisi, a former frontrunner for leadership.

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