The Trump administration announced a US$10 million reward on March 15, 2026, for information leading to the capture of several senior Iranian figures. While two of these leaders have since been killed by Israeli strikes, they are included to provide a more complete picture of Iran’s powerful elite – people deeply embedded in the Islamic Republic’s political, intelligence and security architecture.
Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei
Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, 56, son of the former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike in February 2026, was chosen as Iran’s novel supreme leader in early March. He has been viewed as a powerful behind-the-scenes figure, operating within his father’s inner circle and cultivating strong relationships with Iran’s security and intelligence institutions.
Despite never holding formal elected or appointed office, Khamenei had been widely perceived as a potential successor. Such a transition would have been controversial, given his lack of experience and the ideological sensitivity around hereditary succession in a system born from anti-monarchical revolution. He has been linked to political controversies, including accusations of involvement in electoral manipulation during the 2005 presidential election and allegations of financial misconduct.
Public opposition to his perceived rise was visible during the 2022–23 protests, with demonstrators shouting “Mojtaba, may you die and never witness leadership.”
Seyyed Ali-Asghar (Mir) Hejazi
A cleric with long-standing ties to Iran’s intelligence apparatus, Seyyed Ali-Asghar Hejazi had been among the closest aides to Ali Khamenei. He began his political career in 1980 as part of a “purification committee” tasked with firing perceived opponents after the Iranian Revolution in 1979.
Hejazi later served as deputy for foreign affairs in the Ministry of Intelligence in the early 1980s and, more recently, as deputy chief of staff in the Office of the Supreme Leader. In this role, he functioned as a key intermediary, transmitting Khamenei’s directives and coordinating Iran’s intelligence networks.
He was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2013 for alleged human rights violations, including involvement in the suppression of the 2009 Green Movement, and by the European Union in 2019. He apparently survived an Israeli attack on March 6, 2026.
Seyyed Esmail Khatib
Seyyed Esmail Khatib, 64, was killed on March 18, 2026, after building his career within Iran’s intelligence and security establishment. He joined intelligence operations linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in 1980 and was wounded during the Iran–Iraq War.
Following the war, Khatib held senior intelligence roles, including director general of intelligence for Qom province starting in 1991, and positions within the supreme leader’s security office from 2009–11. He was also head of the judiciary’s Protection and Intelligence Center from 2012–19 and later served as a senior official within Astan Quds Razavi.
Sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury in 2020 for alleged human rights abuses, Khatib became Iran’s minister of intelligence in 2021.
Ali Larijani
Ali Larijani, who was assassinated on March 17, 2026, was one of the Islamic Republic’s most experienced political insiders. He rose through military and civilian institutions, beginning with roles linked to the Revolutionary Guard in the early 1980s.
Over the decades, Larijani, 68, held numerous senior positions, including minister of culture from 1992–94 and head of state broadcasting from 1994–2004. He was also secretary of the Supreme National Security Council from 2004–08 and again from 2025–26, and served as Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator from 2005-07.
From early January 2026, and following the February 28 killing of Ayatollah Khamenei, Larijani emerged as a central decision-maker before his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ali Larijani?
Ali Larijani was one of the Islamic Republic’s most experienced political insiders, having held numerous senior positions over the decades, including minister of culture and chief nuclear negotiator.
What role did Seyyed Esmail Khatib play in the Iranian government?
Seyyed Esmail Khatib was Iran’s minister of intelligence, a position he held since 2021, and had previously held several senior intelligence roles within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the judiciary.
What was Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei’s position before becoming Supreme Leader?
Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei was viewed as a powerful behind-the-scenes figure within his father’s inner circle and had cultivated strong relationships with Iran’s security and intelligence institutions, despite never holding formal office.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, what impact will these leadership changes have on Iran’s regional policies and its relationship with the international community?
