Who will lead Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Supreme Leader: The highest political and religious authority in Iran.
• Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: The recently deceased Supreme Leader of Iran, who ruled for nearly four decades.
• Expediency Discernment Council: A high-level body responsible for selecting members of the interim leadership council.
• Guardian Council: A powerful body that vets candidates and oversees elections in Iran.
• Assembly of Experts: The 88-seat clerical body responsible for electing the new Supreme Leader.
• Interim Leadership Council: A three-member council temporarily assuming leadership duties during the transition period.

The Transition of Power Following Ayatollah Khamenei’s Death

The Islamic Republic of Iran is currently navigating a critical transition period following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who held the position of Supreme Leader for almost four decades. A key characteristic of this transition is the lack of a publicly designated successor, creating uncertainty within the complex Iranian power structure. The process of selecting a new Supreme Leader is now officially underway, as announced by the head of Iran’s National Security Council.

The Interim Leadership Council

Until a new Supreme Leader is elected, leadership duties will be assumed by a three-member interim council. This council comprises: President Massud Peshkan, Judiciary Chief Golam Hussein Moseni Ajay, and a jurist from the Guardian Council, selected by the Expediency Discernment Council.

President Peshkan, elected in 2024 with a focus on improving regional relations, is described as having “limited influence” within the established power dynamics of the Islamic Republic. Judiciary Chief Ajay, however, represents a more hardline element. He publicly committed to accelerating trials in response to the anti-regime protests that erupted earlier in the year, coinciding with a period of violent suppression of dissent. This commitment is underscored by the alarming statistic that Iran carried out over 1,400 executions in 2025 – a record high in the history of the Islamic Republic, as reported by the United Nations. The inclusion of a jurist from the Guardian Council further emphasizes the influence of this vetting body in the transition process.

The Role of the Assembly of Experts

The ultimate responsibility for selecting the new Supreme Leader rests with the Assembly of Experts, an 88-seat clerical body. According to the Iranian constitution, this body “must now convene to choose a new Supreme Leader as soon as possible.” The decision made by the Assembly of Experts will be pivotal in determining the future direction of the Islamic Republic, particularly as it confronts what is described as “one of its most significant crises in its history.”

Implications and Context

The selection process is occurring against a backdrop of internal unrest and international pressure. The violent crackdown on protests, evidenced by the record number of executions in 2025, highlights the regime’s willingness to suppress dissent. The composition of the interim council, with its inclusion of a hardline Judiciary Chief, suggests a potential continuation of this approach. The limited influence attributed to President Peshkan indicates that any attempts at pragmatic engagement with regional neighbors may be constrained.

The lack of a pre-determined successor introduces an element of competition and potential instability within the clerical establishment. The Assembly of Experts’ choice will not only determine the ideological direction of the country but also the regime’s strategy for navigating its current multifaceted crisis.