Khamenei, who led Iran since 1989, was the longest-serving head of state in the Middle East. His death marks only the second leadership change since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The state has announced 40 days mourning and 7 days of public holiday, reported IRNA news agency.
A three-person council will temporarily assume leadership duties following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reported Iran’s news agency IRNA. The country’s president, the head of the judiciary and a jurist from the Guardian Council will collectively oversee the transition period until a new leader is appointed.
Under Iran’s constitution, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for appointing and overseeing the Supreme Leader. The 88-member body, formally known as the Assembly of Experts (Majles-e Khobregân-e Rahbari), comprises Islamic scholars elected by direct public vote for eight-year terms.
constitutional duties include appointing, supervising and, if necessary, dismissing the Supreme Leader.
However, the system is tightly controlled. Candidates for the Assembly are vetted by the Guardian Council. Members of the Guardian Council are themselves directly or indirectly chosen by the Supreme Leader, creating a closed loop within the country’s power structure.
After the death of the Islamic Republic’s founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989, Khamenei rose to the top post after serving as president. Since then, the process of choosing a successor has largely remained an internal matter handled quietly by Iran’s clerical establishment. The coming days will test that system like never before.
A recent report by the Council on Foreign Relations, a US-based think tank, listed several figures frequently mentioned as possible successors.
Hojjat-ol-Eslam Mohsen Qomi - A close adviser to Khamenei, Mohsen Qomi is seen as a trusted insider. Supporters believe his proximity to the late leader could help maintain continuity and stability during a turbulent transition.
Ayatollah Alireza Arafi - A senior cleric and member of both the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts, Arafi also heads Iran’s seminary system. According to the council on foreign relations, his appointment would likely preserve the existing political structure.
Ayatollah Mohsen Araki - A senior member of the Assembly of Experts, Araki has strong religious credentials and is frequently cited in succession discussions.
Ayatollah Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei - Currently the head of Iran’s judiciary, Mohseni Ejei has held key security and government posts. His administrative experience could carry weight during a period of uncertainty.
Ayatollah Hashem Hosseini Bushehri - The Friday prayer leader in Qom and a member of the Assembly of Experts, Bushehri is also considered among the potential contenders.
