{"id":324433,"date":"2024-09-25T13:08:47","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T12:08:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/?p=324433"},"modified":"2024-09-25T15:44:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T14:44:00","slug":"khameneis-key-appointment-of-mokhber-completes-the-puzzle-for-perpetual-rule-over-iran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ncr-iran.org\/en\/iranian-regime-infighting\/khameneis-key-appointment-of-mokhber-completes-the-puzzle-for-perpetual-rule-over-iran\/","title":{"rendered":"Khamenei\u2019s Key Appointment of Mokhber Completes the Puzzle for Perpetual Rule Over Iran"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Four-minute read<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In a striking and calculated move, Iran\u2019s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reinforced his grip on power by appointing Mohammad Mokhber, the former Vice President under the slain Ebrahim Raisi, as his special advisor and assistant. This unprecedented appointment coincides with President Massoud Pezeshkian\u2019s visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he attempts to present a more palatable face of the regime to the international community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, while Pezeshkian\u2019s speeches in New York may seek to win favor with the West, Khamenei\u2019s domestic actions tell a different story. In a widely circulated message, Khamenei emphasized Mokhber\u2019s loyalty and accomplishments, stating<\/a>, \u201cConcerning your dedicated and impactful services in management and economic fields, especially during the late Raisi administration, and your wise policy of employing young, motivated elites, I appoint you as advisor and assistant to the Supreme Leader.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

The Formation of a Parallel Power Structure\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

This appointment is far more than a mere reshuffling of bureaucratic roles. Mokhber, known more for his compliance than his leadership, is now positioned at the heart of Khamenei\u2019s power structure. His role appears to signal the creation of a parallel government operating directly under Khamenei\u2019s supervision. The message to rival factions within the regime, particularly the Pezeshkian administration, is clear: ultimate power still lies with Khamenei.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The significance of Mokhber\u2019s appointment was underscored by Morteza Talaei, a notorious former police commander turned political figure. Talaei noted<\/a>, \u201cThe Supreme Leader, with precise foresight, intends to utilize Mokhber\u2019s experience and capacities to implement a younger generation of managers across the country.\u201d While Talaei\u2019s comment emphasizes Khamenei\u2019s intention to bring in new blood, it remains unclear whether this has any connection to the recent unveiling of Mojtaba Khamenei<\/a>, the Supreme Leader\u2019s son, whose growing influence has sparked speculation about succession plans.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mokhber\u2019s ascension suggests that Khamenei is preparing for more than just a generational transition. From 2007 to 2021, Mokhber was the head of the Execution of Imam Khomeini\u2019s Order<\/a> (EIKO), one of the regime\u2019s largest financial empires. His leadership in this role involved managing sanctions evasion, ensuring the regime\u2019s financial lifeline, and facilitating its support for terrorism and domestic repression. His loyalty and expertise in maneuvering through international sanctions made him indispensable<\/a> to Khamenei.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Who Is Mohammad Mokhber, #Iranian<\/a> Regime\u2019s Acting President and Khamenei\u2019s Man Who Stood in #Raisi<\/a>\u2019s Shadowshttps:\/\/t.co\/NTDz7ysPgU<\/a><\/p>\n

— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) May 20, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n