Iranian cleric Alireza Arafi has been appointed as the jurist member of Iran’s temporary Leadership Council. The decision was announced on Sunday following a major political development in the country.
The Leadership Council is responsible for performing the duties of the supreme leader until a permanent successor is chosen. Authorities formed the council after the reported death of Ali Khamenei in recent attacks attributed to Israel and the United States.
According to officials, Alireza Arafi will serve alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei. Together, the three members will temporarily manage the responsibilities of Iran’s top leadership position.
The appointment was confirmed by Mohsen Dehnavi, spokesperson for the Expediency Discernment Council. He shared the update through the social media platform X.
Dehnavi explained that the decision follows Article 111 of Iran’s Constitution. This article outlines the process when the position of supreme leader becomes vacant. Under this rule, an interim Leadership Council must immediately take charge of leadership duties.
The temporary council includes three key figures. These are the president, the head of the judiciary, and a clerical member from the Guardian Council. Alireza Arafi was selected to fill the clerical seat in the council.
Alireza Arafi is already a member of the Guardian Council. He is also known as a senior religious scholar with influence in Iran’s clerical establishment. His appointment is expected to ensure religious representation within the interim leadership structure.
Officials say the council will maintain government continuity during the transition period. Meanwhile, the Assembly of Experts will begin the process of choosing a new supreme leader.
The Assembly of Experts is responsible for reviewing potential candidates. Once a decision is reached, the newly selected leader will officially assume the country’s highest authority.
Political analysts say the formation of the interim council is a constitutional step to prevent a leadership vacuum. The presence of Alireza Arafi on the council ensures that both political and religious leadership structures remain balanced.
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As the situation develops, observers are closely watching Iran’s next political moves. The appointment of Alireza Arafi marks a key step in the country’s leadership transition process.
