TEHRAN (Kashmir English): The joint US-Israel missile attacks, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, have created serious concerns about both Iran’s upcoming political developments and its succession procedures.
The Constitution of Iran requires an interim leadership council to begin its work immediately after the Supreme Leader passes away. The temporary organization takes over the Leader’s duties until the appointment of a permanent successor.
The council includes three members, who consist of the current president, the judiciary head, and a cleric chosen by the Guardian Council through the Expediency Council.
The current interim leaders include President Masoud Pezeshkian and judiciary chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei. Their assignment will last only until their specific duties end.
The 88-member Assembly of Experts, which consists of elected Shia clerics who are chosen through public elections for eight-year terms, holds the authority to select the next Supreme Leader.
The Guardian Council evaluates candidates who wish to participate in the Assembly elections. The selection process takes place mostly in hidden locations, which creates challenges for making predictions.
Former President Ebrahim Raisi had emerged as a likely successor to the throne until his death, which occurred in 2024. Speculation now focuses on Mojtaba Khamenei, who is 56 years old and the son of Ali Khamenei, but has never held any public position.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will achieve its second leadership transition when the upcoming changes occur.
The first transition took place when Ali Khamenei became Supreme Leader after the death of Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989. Iran’s upcoming weeks will determine its future direction during a critical period, which represents one of its most delicate leadership changes in history.
