Iran Forms Interim Leadership Council Following Khamenei's Death, Succession Process Underway

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israel strikes, triggering a constitutional succession process. A temporary leadership council comprising President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been formed to manage affairs until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent successor. Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's son with strong ties to the IRGC, is a potential contender but faces constitutional and clerical challenges. The transition occurs amid heightened regional tensions and internal political uncertainty.