Following the confirmed martyrdom of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli strikes, Iran is entering a critical phase of political transition.

State media reported that the government has declared 40 days of mourning and seven days of public holidays in honor of the late Supreme Leader.

Potential successors

According to Iranian state sources and political analysts, Khamenei had reportedly provided four names as possible successors prior to his death. Prominent figures under consideration include:

Mojtaba Khamenei – Son of the late Supreme Leader, with strong ties to the IRGC, though he holds no formal political position.
Alireza Arafa – Director of Iran’s religious seminaries and Friday prayer leader of Qom.
Mohammad Mahdi Mirbagheri – An ultra-hardline cleric, influential in maintaining Islamic Revolution stability.
Hassan Khomeini – Grandson of Ayatollah Khomeini, considered a reformist figure.
Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i – Iran’s Chief Justice since 2021.

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Constitutional succession mechanism

Under Article 111 of Iran’s Constitution, the Assembly of Experts is required to convene promptly to appoint a new Supreme Leader. Until a successor is selected, a temporary council assumes leadership responsibilities. This interim body consists of:

The President of Iran, currently Masoud Pezeshkian
The Chief of Judiciary, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i
A jurist from the Guardian Council chosen by the Expediency Discernment Council

The council will oversee governance and key decisions until the Assembly formally appoints the next Supreme Leader. If any member cannot perform their duties, the Assembly may appoint a replacement, ensuring the majority of jurists is maintained.

Amid this political transition, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced plans for “the most devastating offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic”, targeting Israeli-occupied territories and US bases in the region, according to Fars News Agency. The offensive is set to commence imminently, reflecting Iran’s vow to retaliate following the loss of its top leadership.