Iran has announced the formation of a three-member transitional leadership council to assume state responsibilities following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. President Masoud Pezeshkian made the announcement during a televised address, confirming that the council has officially begun its duties.
The newly appointed council will function until the Assembly of Experts selects a new Supreme Leader. Among the members of this interim body is Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, alongside President Pezeshkian and the head of the Supreme Court, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei.
The context of this leadership change stems from the recent assassination of Khamenei and IRGC commander General Mohammad Pakpour, who were killed in drone strikes in Iran on February 28. U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that Khamenei was targeted during a joint operation involving American and Israeli forces. Reports indicate that the CIA had located Khamenei shortly before the attack was carried out.
In his address, Pezeshkian emphasized that seeking retribution is both a “legitimate right and obligation” for Iran in response to the assassination.
Iran has set up a transitional leadership council to manage state affairs after the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The council, which includes key political figures, will operate until a new leader is appointed by the Assembly of Experts.
Source: Reuters