Story perspectives

Iran's Leadership Council Takes Charge Amid Missile Strikes

3/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, a three-person council led by President Masoud Pezeskhian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi assumed leadership.
The council governs amid missile strikes on U.S. bases and a 40-day mourning period.
Iran retaliated with six waves of attacks.
It also unveiled the Fattah-2 hypersonic missile for its combat debut.
Russia and China are reassessing military support due to intelligence breaches concerns.

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Story summary

Following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, a three-person council led by President Masoud Pezeskhian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni, and Ayatollah Alireza Arafi assumed leadership.
The council governs amid missile strikes on U.S. bases and a 40-day mourning period.
Iran retaliated with six waves of attacks.
It also unveiled the Fattah-2 hypersonic missile for its combat debut.
Russia and China are reassessing military support due to intelligence breaches concerns.