02.03.2026 18:26
The power struggle and the reshaping of power balances that began in Iran after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will directly affect both domestic and regional developments.
Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran, the resulting power vacuum in the country's administration has led to an intense power struggle in the capital Tehran and among the upper echelons of the state. In a system that has been centrally governed for many years, the balance of power is rapidly being reshaped.
With Khamenei's death, the question of who will take the lead in the decision-making mechanism in Iran has come to the forefront, while significant activity is occurring between both political and military factions. As a temporary governance structure is being established in the country, discussions have accelerated regarding who the permanent leader will be.
The Iranian administration has implemented a temporary leadership model to maintain control over the emerging vacuum. During this process, it is reported that Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has temporarily come to the forefront, governing the country alongside figures representing the presidency and the judiciary. Sources from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have stated that the new leader will be determined in a short time.
However, it is expressed that behind the scenes, different power centers within the regime are trying to increase their influence. It is particularly noted that individuals with close ties to security and intelligence structures are emerging.
During this process, the name of Khamenei's son, Mojtaba Khamenei, frequently comes up. Despite not having held an official position for a long time, it is known that Mojtaba has been influential in state governance through his father's office, and he is being discussed as one of the strong candidates for leadership.
Mojtaba Khamenei, who is said to be in close contact with the Revolutionary Guards, is considered one of the critical factors that will determine the course of the process, depending on whether he gains the support of the security wing.
In the post-Khamenei period, it is observed that the influence of security institutions, especially the Revolutionary Guards, on the political process has increased. Different groups within the regime are making moves to strengthen their positions in the process of determining the new leader.
According to experts, the developments occurring during this period may bring about a search for stability in Iran's governance structure in the short term, while also leading to more profound changes in the long term. However, it is stated that the current priority is to maintain the existing balance of power and not to lose control.
In the coming days, the steps to be taken regarding the leadership process in Iran will directly affect not only the internal balances of the country but also regional developments. The outcome of the power struggle in Tehran will depend on which figures the political and military structures will unite around.
Iran has entered one of the most critical transitional processes in the post-Khamenei period.