Iran has formally activated an interim leadership council following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, marking a significant moment in the country's political trajectory. The council's formation is a constitutional mechanism designed to maintain governance continuity during leadership transitions. Multiple international news outlets, including France 24, ABC News, and The Times of Israel, report that President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the council has begun its duties, underscoring the official recognition of the body's operational status. The move aligns with provisions in Iran's political framework, which anticipates such a transition but does not prescribe a fixed duration for the interim arrangement.
Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been publicly named as a key member of the interim council, with reporting from Anadolu Ajansı, CGTN, and Al-Monitor confirming his appointment. His inclusion signals the involvement of senior clerical figures in the transitional governance structure, consistent with the Islamic Republic's theocratic foundations. While other members have been referenced in limited reports, Arafi remains the most clearly identified figure at this stage. The Assembly of Experts is concurrently tasked with selecting a permanent successor to Khamenei, a process expected to unfold in the coming weeks.