The assassination of Khamenei and the formation of a temporary leadership council: details of the transitional phase in Iran

In a historic and unexpected development that shook the Middle East, Iranian state television officially announced the death of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ali Khamenei , following joint US-Israeli airstrikes targeting his residence. Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, confirmed the news, announcing the immediate commencement of constitutional arrangements to fill the power vacuum at the highest level in Tehran.

Details of the transitional phase and the leadership council

Larijani explained in his urgent statement that the transitional phase would begin on Sunday, indicating the activation of the constitutional articles pertaining to the vacancy of the Supreme Leader's position. According to official statements, a temporary leadership council to manage the country's affairs and assume the Supreme Leader's powers until a new leader is elected. This council, according to the Iranian Constitution (Article 111), will consist of:

• president.
• Head of the Judiciary.
• One of the jurists of the Guardian Council.

Larijani stressed that work is underway to form this council "as soon as possible" to ensure the country's stability and prevent a constitutional vacuum, at a time when Iran is facing unprecedented security challenges.

International reactions: Trump comments

Internationally, former US President Donald Trump was quick to comment on the event via his Truth Social platform, describing Khamenei's killing as "justice." In his post, Trump stated, "Khamenei is dead. This is not just justice for the people of Iran, but for all great Americans and victims all over the world," signaling a significant escalation in the US stance toward Tehran.

Historical context and mechanism for choosing the Caliph

This event is the most serious in the history of the Islamic Republic since the death of its founder, Ruhollah Khomeini, in 1989. Ali Khamenei has served as Supreme Leader for over three decades, shaping the country's domestic and foreign policies. According to the constitution, the responsibility for selecting the new Supreme Leader rests with the Assembly of Experts , a body of 88 jurists, who will have to convene an emergency meeting to agree on the individual who will lead the country through this critical period.

Expected regional repercussions

The killing of Khamenei, along with reports of the deaths of members of his family (his daughter, her husband, and his granddaughter), is expected to cast a dark shadow over the regional landscape. Observers believe that Khamenei's absence could lead to a power struggle within the Iranian regime, particularly between the religious establishment and the Revolutionary Guard, and will directly impact Tehran's regional influence and its relationship with allied factions in the region, amid global anticipation of the repercussions of this political upheaval.