Mohammad-Taqi Mesbah-Yazdi, Ayatollah Lotfollah Safi Golpaygani and Mohammad Bagher Kharazi were his teachers there.

[2][15] This is thought by some to present a problem, for the Supreme Leader needs to be elected by the Assembly of Experts from among senior Shia Islamic scholars, but it has been noted that the previous incumbent, Ruhollah Khomeini, exerted a strong influence in favor of the choice of Khamenei’s father.

[6] The Guardian argues that "The strength of Mojtaba's following has not been demonstrated", and while he wears clerical robes he "by no means has the theological status" to rise to Supreme Leader, although it notes that.

[2] According to the Los Angeles Times, Mojtaba's religious and political stature may still not be enough for Ali Khamenei to one day unveil his son as his successor.

[16][17] According to The Guardian and French newspaper Libération, among other sources, he is widely believed to control large financial assets.

[2][14] This allegation was rejected by Assembly of the Forces of Imam's Line, an Iranian political group led by his uncle Hadi Khamenei.