The assassination of Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli strike has thrust Iran into one of the most critical political transitions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. As regional tensions intensify and uncertainty grips the country, attention has turned to the constitutional process that will determine who succeeds him as the Islamic Republic’s highest authority.
- Explainer How Iran will choose a new supreme leader after Khamenei
Khamenei, who led Iran for nearly 36 years, was killed when his high-security residential compound in Tehran was struck. The attack reportedly claimed the lives of several family members and occurred amid coordinated US and Israeli air operations across multiple Iranian cities.
With his death, Iran’s constitutional mechanisms have automatically been activated to manage both the interim period and the selection of a permanent successor.
Interim Leadership: Who Governs Now?
Under Iran’s constitution, when the supreme leader dies, a temporary leadership arrangement takes effect.
According to official announcements, three figures will collectively oversee the duties of the Supreme Leader’s office until a successor is appointed:
- The President of Iran
- The Head of the Judiciary
- A senior cleric from the Guardian Council
This transitional council ensures continuity in governance, particularly in areas such as defense oversight, foreign policy direction, and coordination with the armed forces.
However, this arrangement is temporary. The power to formally appoint the next supreme leader rests elsewhere.
The Role of the Assembly of Experts
At the center of the succession process is the powerful Assembly of Experts.
This body consists of 88 senior Islamic jurists and clerics elected by public vote for eight-year terms. Its constitutional responsibility is to:
- Select the supreme leader
- Supervise his performance
- Dismiss him if he fails to meet his duties
Article 107 of Iran’s constitution explicitly states that the determination of the Leader rests with the experts elected by the people.
Since the Islamic Republic’s founding, Iran has had only two supreme leaders:
- Ruhollah Khomeini (1979–1989)
- Ali Khamenei (1989–2026)
The current Assembly was elected in 2024 and is headed by veteran cleric Mohammad Ali Movahedi Kermani.
How the Selection Process Works
The process of choosing a new supreme leader involves several stages:
Vetting by the Guardian Council
Potential candidates must first be approved by the Guardian Council, which screens individuals for eligibility based on religious qualifications, political credentials, and ideological alignment with the Islamic Republic.
Only those who pass this vetting process can be considered.
Constitutional Qualifications
The Iranian constitution outlines specific criteria for a supreme leader:
- Must be a qualified Islamic jurist (marja or senior cleric)
- Must demonstrate justice and piety
- Must possess political and social insight
- Must have leadership ability and sound judgment
If no single candidate meets all qualifications perfectly, the Assembly may prioritize leadership competence and political strength.
Closed-Door Deliberations
The Assembly of Experts meets in private sessions. These discussions are rarely made public.
- Members assess:
- Religious scholarship
- Political experience
- Administrative competence
- Ability to command loyalty from security institutions
Succession planning is not improvised. Committees within the Assembly reportedly maintain shortlists and regularly evaluate potential candidates to ensure preparedness for sudden transitions.
Internal Vote
After deliberations, members vote internally. A candidate must secure a majority of votes from those present to be appointed.
In 1989, after Khomeini’s death, Khamenei was chosen during an emotionally charged session in which he received 60 of 74 votes. At the time, he was serving as president and had played a prominent role during the Iran-Iraq war.
Potential Successors: Who Might Be Considered?
Unlike 1989, analysts say there is no single dominant figure with Khamenei’s combined religious authority and political weight.
Several names have circulated internationally:
- Mojtaba Khamenei (Khamenei’s son): reportedly not among leading contenders.
- Hassan Khomeini (grandson of Ruhollah Khomeini): also reportedly not under serious consideration.
- Ebrahim Raisi: previously viewed as a strong potential successor before his death in a helicopter crash in 2024.
The absence of a clear frontrunner could lead to intense internal negotiations among clerical, political, and security elites.
Political and Security Considerations
The timing of this transition is highly sensitive:
- Iran faces external military pressure.
- Regional tensions are escalating.
- Domestic divisions remain deep following recent protests.
The next supreme leader will need to command the loyalty of:
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Senior clerical networks
- Political institutions
- The broader conservative establishment
Continuity may be prioritized over reform, particularly during a period of external confrontation.
Could the Constitution Change?
In theory, constitutional amendments could alter the structure of leadership — including the possibility of a leadership council rather than a single individual. However, such a change would require complex legal procedures and is unlikely during a period of crisis.
Historically, Iran has favored centralized leadership under a single supreme authority.
Read More: Celebration or grief? Khamenei’s death brings contrasting emotions in Iran
FAQs
Who officially chooses Iran’s supreme leader?
The Assembly of Experts, composed of 88 elected clerics, is constitutionally responsible for selecting the supreme leader.
How long does the process take?
There is no fixed timeline, but in 1989 the process concluded within days. Given current tensions, the Assembly may act swiftly to project stability.
Does the Iranian public vote for the supreme leader?
No. Citizens vote for members of the Assembly of Experts, but the Assembly itself chooses the supreme leader.
Can the Assembly remove a supreme leader?
Yes. The constitution grants the Assembly authority to dismiss a leader who fails to perform his duties.
What powers does the supreme leader hold?
The supreme leader controls the armed forces, appoints the judiciary chief, influences state media, and sets key domestic and foreign policy directions.
Conclusion
The death of Ali Khamenei has opened a pivotal chapter in Iran’s political history. For the first time in nearly four decades, the Islamic Republic must navigate the transfer of its highest authority under conditions of regional conflict and domestic strain.
While the constitutional framework for succession is clear, the political dynamics surrounding the choice are complex. The Assembly of Experts now faces the task of selecting a leader capable of maintaining institutional cohesion, commanding security forces, and navigating Iran through an uncertain geopolitical landscape.
