Iran Establishes Interim Council Following Supreme Leaders Death

Iran Announces Formation of Transitional Council Following Supreme Leader’s Death

A three-member transitional council has been established in Iran to handle state duties following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The council, which will govern the country until a new supreme leader is chosen by an 88-member panel called the Assembly of Experts, consists of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.

Ayatollah Arafi, a member of the Guardian Council, was confirmed to the council by the Expediency Council. The Assembly of Experts is expected to choose a new supreme leader after almost 37 years of rule by Khamenei. According to Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, the transitional council will govern until a new leader is chosen.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani are also expected to play significant roles in the transitional council. The commander-in-chief of the IRGC was killed in the US-Israeli attack on Saturday, and the next leader of the elite military and economic force is yet to be announced.

Larijani has warned “secessionist groups” within Iran of a harsh response if they attempt action, stating that the country will “teach an unforgettable lesson” to international opponents. The Assembly of Experts must choose a new supreme leader as soon as possible, according to the Iranian Constitution.

Source: Al Jazeera