02.03.2026 00:30
A striking statement came from Ayatollah Arafi, the new religious leader of Iran, instead of Khamenei, who lost his life in the attacks by the US and Israel. Arafi said, "Tonight, the world will witness the end of the arrogance of the Zionists."
The attacks launched by the US and Israel against Iran, resulting in the death of Iran's religious leader Khamenei, have become one of the most discussed topics worldwide.
FIRST MESSAGE FROM THE NEW RELIGIOUS LEADER
It was announced that Ayatollah Arafi has temporarily taken over from the deceased Khamenei. In his first message, Arafi referred to this night.
Arafi stated in his announcement, "Tonight, the world will witness the end of the arrogance of the Zionists."
WHO IS AYATOLLAH ARAFI?
Ali Riza Arafi was born in 1959 in the city of Meybod, Iran. He completed his religious education in the seminaries of Qom. After his education, he held various positions in religious institutions in Iran.
Arafi has been involved in the administration of the seminary system in Iran and has carried out administrative responsibilities in this area. He has also served as the Vice President of the Assembly of Experts, a member of the Guardian Council, and the President of Al-Mustafa International University.
US-ISRAEL ATTACKS AND IRAN'S RETALIATIONS
While negotiations continued between the governments of Tehran and Washington, Israel and the US launched a military attack on Iran on February 28.
In response, Iran retaliated with attacks on targets it identified in several regional countries, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain, where US bases are located, in addition to Israel.
In the US-Israel attacks, many high-ranking officials were killed, including Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.
The Iranian Red Crescent announced that 201 people lost their lives and 747 were injured in the bombings targeting the country.