Iran has announced a political transition plan after Khamenei’s killing in what officials described as a major joint attack by Israel and the United States. The unprecedented strike has created a leadership crisis in the country and forced authorities to move quickly to ensure political stability.
According to Iranian officials, the transition plan includes the formation of an interim leadership council. This temporary body will manage the country’s affairs until a new supreme leader is chosen. The council includes the president, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the Guardian Council.
The move comes as Iran begins to deal with the impact of Khamenei’s death on its political structure. Authorities say the council will oversee governance and maintain stability during the transition period.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, 71, is one of the key members of the interim council. He will help lead the country until a permanent successor is selected. Pezeshkian took office in June 2024 after the death of the previous president in a helicopter crash.
Born in 1954, Pezeshkian trained as a heart surgeon before entering politics. He is often described as a calm and pragmatic leader. Since taking office, he has guided Iran through major challenges, including regional tensions and economic protests.
Following Khamenei’s killing, Pezeshkian strongly criticized the attack. He described it as a declaration of war against Muslims and said Iran has the right to respond.
Another member of the interim council is Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei. The senior cleric has served in Iran’s judiciary for many years. He was appointed head of the judiciary in 2021 by Khamenei himself.
Ejei studied Islamic law in the holy city of Qom and also holds a degree in international law. After Khamenei’s death, he vowed that Iran would not forget the killing of its leader.
The third member of the council is cleric Alireza Arafi, a jurist from the Guardian Council. Arafi also plays an important role in Iran’s religious institutions. He leads the organization responsible for managing Shiite seminaries.
Another key figure during the transition is Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security chief. Larijani heads the Supreme National Security Council and is closely involved in shaping national security policy.
Larijani has held many senior positions during his career, including roles in Iran’s parliament and media institutions. After Khamenei’s death, he outlined plans for the country’s political transition.
Officials say the interim council will remain in place until the Assembly of Experts selects a new supreme leader. The body is responsible for appointing and supervising Iran’s highest political authority.
In other news read more about: Ayatollah Khamenei Reportedly Killed as US-Israel Strikes Trigger Major Iran Conflict
The coming weeks are expected to be critical as Iran manages the transition following Khamenei’s killing and prepares for the selection of a new leader.
