Story perspectives

Iran Begins Search for New Supreme Leader After Khamenei's Death

3/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death has started the process to name a new supreme leader, with the Assembly of Experts—an 88-member body—appointing the successor after vetting by the Guardian Council.
A provisional three-member leadership council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, manages duties.
Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei is seen as a frontrunner alongside Alireza Arafi and Hassan Khomeini.
Hassan Khomeini's elevation could ease domestic dissatisfaction and improve Iran's international standing.

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Story summary

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death has started the process to name a new supreme leader, with the Assembly of Experts—an 88-member body—appointing the successor after vetting by the Guardian Council.
A provisional three-member leadership council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, manages duties.
Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei is seen as a frontrunner alongside Alireza Arafi and Hassan Khomeini.
Hassan Khomeini's elevation could ease domestic dissatisfaction and improve Iran's international standing.