Hassan Khomeini
Hassan KhomeiniReuters

The grandson of the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran has reportedly been disqualified from running in the upcoming elections for the country's Assembly of Experts.

The Guardian Council rejected the 43-year-old cleric, Hassan Khomeini, on the grounds that he does not have sufficient religious competence. However, he is considered a moderate and has strong ties with reformists, and some believe this is the true reason.

Khomeini's son, Ahmad, claimed on Instagram that the ruling came in spite of "testimony from dozens of religious authorities. In my opinion, the reason for non-verification is clear to everyone."

The Assembly of Experts is a powerful group of clerics which monitors the work of Iran's current supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and will be responsible for selecting his successor.

Elections to the 88-member Assembly will take place on February 26. Iran's parliamentary elections will also take place on the same day.