01.03.2026 20:30
A critical process for leadership began in Iran following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Among the prominent names for leadership in Iran are Hassan Rouhani, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi, Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani, Ayatollah Nouri Hamadani, and Mojtaba Khamenei. However, it is reported that there are significant disagreements surrounding the name of Mojtaba Khamenei.
After the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the joint attack of the USA and Israel, a critical process has begun for the highest position in Iran, "Veliyy-i Fakih." One of the most sensitive political transition periods since the 1979 Islamic Revolution is being experienced.
6 CANDIDATES EMERGE Among the prominent names for leadership are Hassan Rouhani, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi, Ayatollah Sadeq Larijani, Ayatollah Nouri Hamedani, and Mojtaba Khamenei.
MOJTABA KHAMENEI CRISIS: UNEXPECTED RESULTS MAY ARISE However, it is reported that there are serious disagreements, especially around the name Mojtaba Khamenei. According to sources in Iran, a strong faction within the Revolutionary Guards supports Mojtaba Khamenei. In contrast, it is stated that he does not receive the same level of support from the broader clerical circles.
One of the sources stated, "Unexpected results may emerge."
Mojtaba Khamenei INTERIM LEADERSHIP COUNCIL IN ACTION According to Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, in the event of a vacancy in the leadership position, a three-person interim council takes over. President Masoud Pezeshkian, Head of the Judiciary Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, and Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi, elected by the Guardian Council, are carrying out the interim leadership duties.
This council will jointly exercise the powers of the Veliyy-i Fakih position until a new leader is determined.
THE DECISION WILL BE MADE BY THE 88-MEMBER ASSEMBLY The new leader will be elected by the 88-member Assembly of Experts. The election will be conducted by secret ballot, and the candidate who receives a simple majority will be declared the new religious leader. There is no constitutional timeline regarding how long the process will take.
Experts indicate that the leadership election could reshape the power balances in Iran and that there may also be regional repercussions of potential internal political tensions.