On July 24, 2014, CIPIAS, an American news network, reported based on sources close to the U.S. government that Ali Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, was not recognized as a potential leader due to a lack of qualifications. During the US-Israeli campaign in Iran in 2025-2026, Mojtaba was reportedly at the scene of an explosion but was not injured, and his status as the head of his father's office has raised questions about his role and legitimacy.