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BEIRUT – The death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on February 28, 2026, has sparked a mix of defiance and resignation among supporters of Hezbollah in Lebanon, with some believing his successor will take a more hardline stance. The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader has been met with a subdued reaction, even among those deeply invested in the political movement.
“They did everything to kill his father. And here they are with his copy, younger and stronger,” remarked a retired Hezbollah fighter, identified only as Ali*, reflecting a sentiment that the Iranian camp has been reinforced by the transition. Concerned for his safety, he declined to elaborate further, offering only brief voice messages to clarify his thoughts.
Across socioeconomic strata within the Hezbollah support base, a similar blend of challenge and fatalism is evident. In Beirut, businessman Mohamed, from the Bourj el-Brajné district of the Dahiyeh, appeared largely unmoved by the announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei’s designation on Sunday evening. “The Iranians choose what is best for them,” he stated matter-of-factly.
However, his tone shifted when discussing the assassination of Ali Khamenei. “Killing him was the biggest mistake the Americans could have made. He was very old and, anyway, he didn’t seek to die in his bed,” Mohamed asserted, predicting that “his successor will be more radical.”
