Mojtaba, a cleric with influence inside Iran's security forces and vast business networks under his father, had been viewed as a frontrunner in the lead-up to Sunday's vote by the Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics tasked with choosing Ali Khamenei's successor.

The position gives Mojtaba the final say in all matters of state in the Islamic Republic.

Mojtaba's appointment will likely draw the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump, who said on Sunday that Washington should have a say in the selection. 'If he doesn't get approval from us, he's not going to last long,' he told ABC News.

Israel, ahead of the announcement, threatened to target whoever was chosen.

In an interview with the Times of Israel after the new supreme leader was named, Trump declined to respond, saying only 'We'll see what happens,' according to the newspaper. Trump also said in the interview that ending the war would be a 'mutual' decision with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mojtaba's father, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was killed in one of the first strikes launched against Iran more than a week ago.

Washington on Sunday ordered the departure of non-emergency employees at its embassy in Saudi Arabia, the latest drawdown of U.S. diplomats as Iran has struck U.S. facilities in the region.

The U.S.-Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,332 Iranian civilians and wounded thousands, according to Iran's U.N. ambassador.

Oil Over $100 A Barrel

The expanding war has severely impacted the oil trade and surging prices sparked a fall in share futures in Asia on Monday, amid fears of rising living costs. The dollar rose sharply against the euro and the yen.

U.S. crude futures rose more than 20% in early trade on Monday, hitting their highest since July 2022, amid fears of tighter supply and prolonged disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent jumped 17% to $108.73 a barrel, having already soared 28% last week.

(With inputs from Reuters)