Following the death of Ali Khamenei in the U.S. and Israeli attacks, a power transition has begun in Iran. Senior cleric Alireza Arafi has been appointed as the interim Supreme Leader.
Amid the ongoing major military conflict in West Asia, there has been a significant change in Iran’s leadership. Following the death of long time Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in the joint U.S. and Israeli attacks, a transition of power has begun in the country. At this time, senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been appointed as Iran’s new interim Supreme Leader.
Why Did the Regime Change After Khamenei’s Death?
According to reports, on Saturday, the United States and Israel launched a major attack on multiple military and government sites in Iran. The operation targeted locations linked to the country’s top military and political leadership. Ali Khamenei, 86, who had led Iran since 1989, was killed in this attack. Initially, Iran denied these reports, but later confirmed his death. Following this, an interim leadership arrangement was implemented under the constitutional process.
Who is Alireza Arafi and What Will His Role Be?
Ayatollah Alireza Arafi is considered a senior religious leader in Iran. He has been included as a judicial member in the interim leadership council, which will now assume the responsibilities of the Supreme Leader. Arafi will temporarily hold the country’s highest religious and political authority. His role is to maintain stability in governance during the transition period and to lead the country until a new permanent Supreme Leader is selected.
How will Iran’s Interim Leadership Council Work?
- According to Iran’s constitution, after the death of the Supreme Leader, an interim council is formed.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian is included in this council.
- Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei is also a part of it.
- A senior cleric from the Guardian Council also remains part of the council.
- This joint leadership makes the country’s administrative and security decisions.
What was Iran’s and the World’s Response After the Attack?
U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were the first to claim Khamenei’s death. Trump described it on social media as a major change for Iran and the world. On the other hand, Iran is now grappling with both external military pressure and internal political transition. Experts believe that this change could affect not only Iran but also the politics and security balance of the entire West Asia region.
