The violent death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has triggered what observers describe as a difficult transition period unfolding “in time of war.” Domestic media attention is currently focused on Ali Larijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council, who was granted extraordinary powers by Khamenei himself. This has created the impression that a successor may already be informally identified. However, Iran’s Constitution clearly outlines a complex succession mechanism.
Under Article 111, a “temporary leadership council” is tasked with governing the country. This body consists of President Masoud Pezeshkian, Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i, and a jurist selected from the Guardian Council — identified as Ayatollah Alireza Arafi. The final decision rests with the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body that will elect the next Supreme Leader behind closed doors.
During the so-called “12-Day War” in June, Khamenei reportedly named three potential successors, though their identities were never officially disclosed. Frequently mentioned figures include Mohseni-Eje’i, Hassan Khomeini, Mojtaba Khamenei, Hassan Rohani, Alireza Arafi, and Sadegh Larijani.
Despite his current prominence, analysts believe Ali Larijani is technically ineligible due to being viewed as a political rather than clerical figure. Nonetheless, many expect him to act as a coordinator during the transitional phase.
