Iran announces appointment of new supreme leader
8 March 16:07
Iran’s Guardian Council (Council of Experts) decided to appoint a new supreme leader of the Islamic Republic on Sunday, March 8, a week after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the US and Israel during a military operation. This was reported by several members of the aforementioned council without naming the successor.
According to AFP, one of the members of Iran’s Supreme Leadership Council hinted that it was Ali Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, "Komersant Ukrainian".
Commenting on the council’s choice in an interview with the Iranian agency Isna, a member of this body, Mohsen Heydari, emphasized: “The Great Satan also mentioned the choice made by representatives (of the Iranian governing council. – Ed. ).” Apparently, he is referring to US President Donald Trump, who said in an interview with the American online publication Axios on March 5 that he opposes Mojtaba Khamenei coming to power in Iran and intends to personally participate in the selection of the country’s new leader.
“They are wasting their time. Khamenei’s son is a nobody. I must participate in the appointment, as in the case of Delcy (acting president of Venezuela after the overthrow of Nicolas Maduro, Delcy Rodriguez. – Ed. ) in Venezuela,” the American leader said.
Meanwhile, on March 8, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated on its microblog X its promise to pursue anyone who succeeds Ali Khamenei as Iran’s supreme leader.
The death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the appointment of a new supreme leader of Iran
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had ruled Iran since 1989. He died during the war between Israel and the United States and the Islamic Republic, which began on February 28.
The country’s spiritual leader, who holds this position for life, is appointed in Iran by members of the so-called Council of Experts. This state body consists of 88 people who are considered experts in Islamic law. It is elected by the citizens of Iran every eight years.
US and Israeli military operation against Iran
On February 28, the US and Israel began striking Iranian territory. The Islamic Republic responded with drone and missile attacks on Israel and Middle Eastern countries that are Washington’s allies in the region. Tehran says the targets of the Iranian strikes are US military bases in these countries. As a result of the US and Israeli military operation, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and a number of senior officials of the Islamic Republic were killed.
