The assassination of Khamenei and the formation of a temporary leadership council: details of the transitional phase
In an unprecedented development in the Middle East's political landscape, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, officially announced the start of the transitional phase of power in the Islamic Republic, following confirmation of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli airstrike targeting his residence. Larijani explained that constitutional procedures to fill the leadership vacuum would begin on Sunday, amidst widespread domestic and international anticipation.
The mechanism for transferring power and the interim leadership council
According to Larijani's statements, and based on the Iranian constitution, a "temporary leadership council" will be formed immediately to assume the duties of the Supreme Leader. This council will consist of three main pillars: the president, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council. Its task will be to manage the country's sensitive affairs and oversee the armed forces and security services until a new leader of the revolution is elected by the Assembly of Experts.
Larijani stressed that work is proceeding at full speed to form this council as quickly as possible to ensure the country’s stability, noting that this step comes in implementation of the constitutional articles that regulate the situation of a vacancy in the position of Supreme Leader, to ensure that no power vacuum occurs that could threaten Iranian national security in these difficult circumstances.
The end of an era and the beginning of the unknown
The death of Ali Khamenei marks the end of a long era that began in 1989 when he assumed the position following the death of the founder of the Islamic Republic, Ruhollah Khomeini. For over three decades, Khamenei held the ultimate authority on all of Iran's strategic policies, whether concerning the nuclear program or regional influence through what is known as the "Axis of Resistance." His absence today raises fundamental questions about the future of the political system in Iran and the extent to which the ruling elite can agree on a successor with the same religious and political weight to manage the complex internal balances.
Expected regional and international repercussions
This event is expected to cast a long shadow over the region's geopolitical landscape. Khamenei's absence could usher in a period of uncertainty regarding Tehran's foreign policy, particularly in light of the escalating military tensions with the United States and Israel. Observers believe the transitional phase may witness a covert power struggle between different factions within the Iranian regime, specifically between the military establishment represented by the Revolutionary Guard and the traditional conservative faction, which could have repercussions for global energy security and the stability of waterways in the Gulf.
Reactions and targeting details
In the first international reaction, former US President Donald Trump commented on the Truth Social platform, describing the event as "justice" for the Iranian people and for the American victims, alluding to the long-standing conflict between the two countries. On the ground, Iranian sources confirmed that the airstrikes targeted not only the Supreme Leader but also members of his family, including his daughter, her husband, and his granddaughter, adding a tragic dimension to the event and further fueling anger and resentment among the Iranian public, particularly those who support the regime.
