Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly under the protection of the elite NOPO counterterrorism force as he remains in hiding. The move comes after leadership changes in Iran and rising security concerns following Ali Khamenei’s death.

The second son of the late supreme leader keeps a low profile. But he's long been viewed as wielding his power behind the scenes, from crushing dissent to influencing presidential elections.

"The Iranians are showing defiance by choosing the son of Khamenei," a former diplomat told CNBC.

Iran’s leadership crisis has taken a dramatic and deeply controversial turn after Mojtaba Khamenei, the little-known son of the late

The US said it had destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels, although President Donald Trump said in social media posts there were no reports that Iran had planted explosives in the Strait of Hormuz.

On the day Iran announced Mojtaba Khamenei as its Supreme Leader, some neighbourhoods in Tehran, crowds loyal to the Islamic Republic gathered under the night sky shouting "Allahu Akbar" -- God is greatest -- celebrating. State television showed missiles ...