Iran has set up a three-member transitional council to take over state functions following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, marking the start of a sensitive succession process after nearly four decades under his leadership.
As reported by Al Jazeera , State authorities confirmed on Sunday that Ayatollah Alireza Arafi had been appointed to the interim body alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Supreme Court Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei.
Arafi, 67, is a cleric and member of the powerful Guardian Council, the constitutional watchdog that will later be involved in the selection of the next supreme leader. His appointment to the temporary council was approved by the Expediency Council, an influential arbitration institution.
The arrangement follows Article 111 of Iran’s Constitution, which provides that a transitional leadership council assumes duties in the event of the supreme leader’s death. The council will steer the country until the 88-member Assembly of Experts convenes and chooses a successor.
Khamenei, who had ruled for almost 37 years, was killed on Saturday in a joint operation by the United States and Israel. His death has triggered urgent debate over Iran’s political direction and stability at a time of heightened tensions.
While the interim council now holds executive authority, the constitution requires that the Assembly of Experts “must, as soon as possible,” appoint a new supreme leader. The panel is tasked solely with selecting and supervising the country’s highest authority.
Attention has also turned to the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and senior political figures in shaping the transition. The commander-in-chief of the IRGC was killed in the same US-Israeli strike on Saturday, marking the second time in less than a year that the elite force has lost its top commander. A replacement has yet to be formally named.
IRGC-linked Telegram channels have cited deputy chief Ahmad Vahidi, who was appointed by Khamenei two months ago, as a possible successor to lead the powerful military and economic institution.
Security chief Ali Larijani is also expected to play a central role during the interim period. Speaking earlier on Sunday, Larijani accused the US and Israel of seeking to weaken and divide Iran and warned “secessionist groups” within the country against taking advantage of the situation.
“The brave soldiers and the great nation of Iran will teach an unforgettable lesson to the international oppressors,” he said.
Larijani, a former parliamentary speaker and senior policy adviser, had been appointed to guide Khamenei on strategy in nuclear negotiations with US President Donald Trump’s administration. His influence, together with that of the IRGC and the newly formed council, is likely to shape the balance of power in Tehran as the country awaits the Assembly of Experts’ decision on its next supreme leader.
