Iran reappoints ‘Judge of Death,’ despite predictions that he would be replaced

Critics argued that Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, known as the “Judge of Death,” conflicted with Khamenei’s position on the MoU with the United States.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reappointed Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i to another term as head of the judiciary, despite recent reports that he would be replaced.

The appointment came after Iran International reported last week, citing anonymous sources, that Eje’i would leave office at the end of his five-year term as part of a broader restructuring of Iran’s leadership.

The report said the anticipated change was tied to efforts by the new supreme leader to install officials viewed as more closely aligned with him rather than to judicial reform.

Instead, Khamenei renewed Eje’i’s appointment.

According to the Tehran Times, the supreme leader said in a statement, “With appreciation for your valuable and sincere efforts, and pursuant to Article 157 of the Constitution, I appoint you as head of the Judiciary.”

The decision follows criticism of Eje’i from some hardline figures after the names of Supreme National Security Council members who voted in favor of the memorandum of understanding with the United States became public.

Those critics argued that Eje’i’s vote conflicted with Khamenei’s publicly stated position after the supreme leader wrote in a letter that he had, in principle, held a different view of the memorandum of understanding.

Despite the criticism, Khamenei opted to keep Eje’i in the post rather than appoint a successor.

According to the Tehran Times, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf welcomed the decision to extend Eje’i’s tenure.

Iran International had reported that senior leadership was expected to replace the judiciary chief as part of a wider reorganization following the recent war.

Citing sources who requested anonymity, the outlet said the anticipated changes would affect key state institutions and were intended to install officials considered more closely aligned with the new supreme leader.
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