An Iranian-American academic and opposition consultant, Ramesh Sepehrrad, states that the demonstrations occurring in Iran show a rising public frustration over the ascension of the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.
Sepehrrad expressed this view during a Fox News interview on Monday, March 9, 2026, while addressing the political consequences that followed the passing of former Iranian leader Ali Khamenei and the appointment of his son as the new leader.
Sepehrrad noted that numerous Iranians see this shift in leadership as a sign that the Islamic Republic is transitioning to a hereditary style of governance rather than one that is representative.
“Mojtaba is now the Ayatollah king of Iran. This is the reason why people are protesting and yelling ‘Down with the dictator,’” she remarked.
The expert pointed out that this appointment has escalated dissatisfaction among various groups within Iran who have traditionally been against the ruling clerical regime.
Sepehrrad indicated that protesters have come out to express their discontent with what they perceive as a continuation of oppressive leadership, with some voicing opposition to the new regime. She characterized the leadership change as an indication that the political climate is becoming more repressive instead of moving towards reform.
Her statements come during a time of unrest in multiple regions of Iran following the declaration of Mojtaba Khamenei as the nation's new supreme leader.
Sepehrrad further proposed that these protests are indicative of wider demands among opposing factions for major political reform in Iran, such as the call for a secular republic to replace the existing theocratic system.
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