01.03.2026 07:00
Iranian authorities announced that he died as a result of an attack at Khamenei's office in the Leadership Residence. It was reported that the Assembly of Experts would convene in Tehran to elect the new Vali-e Faqih (Leader), the election process could take one or several days, and until the new leader is announced, constitutional powers would be exercised by a tripartite committee consisting of the President, the Speaker of the Parliament, and the Head of the Judiciary.
The Iranian authorities announced that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, has died as a result of an attack at his residence. Following the statement that "Khamenei was martyred," attention turned to how a new religious leader would be determined in Iran.
"MARTYRED AT THE WORKPLACE" STATEMENT
The Iranian authorities stated that Khamenei was attacked while he was in his office at the Leadership Residence. The statement noted that the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning and that Khamenei lost his life while performing his duties.
Officials argued that claims previously reported by some media outlets, suggesting that he had "hidden in a safe place due to assassination fears," do not reflect the truth. It was expressed that his death in the office indicates that these claims are a component of "psychological warfare."
HOW WILL THE NEW LEADER BE SELECTED?
After Khamenei's death, the most critical issue in Iran became who the new Vali-e Faqih (Leader) would be. The process will be conducted by the Assembly of Experts, which consists of Ayatollahs, according to the Iranian Constitution.
The members of the Assembly of Experts will gather in Tehran to begin discussions to determine the new leader. The new leader could be elected in the first meeting, or multiple sessions may be held. It is possible that the election process could be completed in one day or extend over several days.
It is assessed that the Assembly may have reached a consensus on a name by Saturday and that it is likely to make a public announcement during the day if a decision is made.
WHO WILL HOLD POWERS DURING THE TRANSITION PROCESS?
Until the new Vali-e Faqih is announced, a temporary committee will exercise constitutional powers. According to the Iranian Constitution, during this process, a tripartite committee consisting of the President, the Speaker of the Parliament, and the Head of the Judiciary will assume the powers of the leadership position.
This transition mechanism aims to prevent a power vacuum in the country. However, who the new leader will be and how long the election process will take will be decisive for Iran's internal politics and regional balances.