For the past 40 years, Khamenei has ruled over Iran with an iron fist. His death, the US hopes, would lead to a much-awaited regime change in the country. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was declared dead on Sunday by the Iranian government. Khamenei, who was the central figure of the Islamic Republic since 1989, was killed in his office during a joint military operation by the United States and Israel.
For the past 40 years, Khamenei has ruled over Iran with an iron fist. His death, the US hopes, would lead to a much-awaited regime change in the country. Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian announced the formation of an advisory council as Tehran rushes to elect a new Supreme Leader who will guide the country through an escalating conflict with the US, Israel and neighbouring countries such as the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and more.
Until Khamenei’s successor is elected by the council, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been named as the interim leader. As Iran moves to stabilise its government after the killing of Khamenei, several names have been floated as to who will become the next leader of the Islamic Republic.
After confirming the death of Khamenei, Donald Trump stated that he and his team have a shortlist of three names who could take over and lead Iran. Khamenei’s three preferences for the post were Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei; Ali Asghar Hejazi; and Hassan Khomeini, who is a moderate cleric from the reformist political faction and the grandson of his Ayatollah Khomeini.
