The process of leadership transition has begun in Iran following the confirmed death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in late February airstrikes. Currently, state structures have been placed under the management of an interim council, which includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and the head of the judiciary. The functions of the interim spiritual leader have been officially assigned to Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a representative of the Guardian Council, who will serve in this capacity until a final decision is reached by the Assembly of Experts.
Media reports identify 56-year-old Mojtaba Khamenei, the late Ayatollah's second son, as the leading candidate for the vacant post. Despite lacking the highest clerical title, his candidacy enjoys powerful backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, his appointment faces significant domestic opposition, as a direct transfer of power from father to son contradicts the anti-monarchical principles of the Islamic Republic.
The situation is further complicated by continued attacks on government districts. According to Western and Israeli media, another strike hit a complex in Qom at the exact moment the Assembly of Experts was holding an emergency meeting to select a successor. Amid the chaos, Iranian state outlets, including the Mehr agency, have been forced to deny rumors of Mojtaba's death, stating he is safe. The official name of Iran's new permanent leader will be announced only after a formal vote by the Assembly, which is currently taking place under conditions of strict secrecy.