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The killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike has plunged the Islamic Republic into one of the most consequential political transitions since the 1979 revolution, activating constitutional procedures to select a new leader as the country faces regional escalation and deep internal uncertainty.
Khamenei, who dominated Iran's political and religious life for nearly three decades, was killed early Saturday when his high-security residential compound in central Tehran was struck, Iranian officials said. Several members of his family, including his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and a grandchild, were also killed.
The attack came as Israel and the United States carried out coordinated strikes across multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, reportedly killing more than 200 people, according to Iranian health officials.
Escalation followed three rounds of indirect nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, most recently held in Geneva on Thursday, that failed to produce a breakthrough.
Following Khamenei's death, the focus has shifted to the constitutional mechanism governing the selection of the next supreme leader. His office announced Sunday that during the transition period, the president, the head of the judiciary, and a cleric from the Guardian Council will jointly oversee the duties of the Supreme Leader's office until a successor is chosen.
Central to the succession process is the Assembly of Experts, a powerful clerical body responsible for appointing the Islamic Republic's highest political and religious authority.
The assembly consists of 88 senior Islamic jurists and clerics elected by popular vote for eight-year terms. Its primary mandate is to select a new supreme leader in the event of death, resignation, or incapacity.
Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has had only two supreme leaders: Ruhollah Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, and Ali Khamenei, who assumed the position in 1989.
Article 107 of the Iranian Constitution states that “determination of the Leader rests with experts elected by people,” underscoring the Assembly's authority to vet and appoint the country's top figure.
In addition to selecting the supreme leader, the Assembly is tasked with supervising his performance and has the authority to dismiss him if he is deemed unable to fulfill constitutional duties.
The most recent Assembly of Experts elections were held in 2024. The body is currently headed by veteran cleric Mohammad Ali Movahedi Kermani.
Under Iran's constitutional framework, potential candidates must first be vetted and approved by the Guardian Council, a constitutionally mandated body that screens candidates for key political and religious posts. Only those who pass the vetting process can be considered by the Assembly of Experts.
After Khomeini's death on June 3, 1989, the Assembly convened amid political uncertainty as Iran emerged from an eight-year war with Iraq. Khamenei was selected as successor, aided by Khomeini's personal recommendation and an overwhelming internal vote during an emotionally charged session.
The constitution requires the supreme leader to be a qualified Islamic jurist who is just and pious, knowledgeable in political and social affairs, and capable of leadership and sound judgment.
If no individual fully meets all criteria, the Assembly may select a candidate who demonstrates strong leadership capacity and political competence.
After deliberations, members vote internally, and the candidate who secures the majority of votes from those present is appointed.
Before a formal vote, the Assembly conducts private deliberations to evaluate candidates based on religious credentials, political experience, and administrative capability.
Deliberations take place behind closed doors, and details are rarely disclosed. However, footage from the 1989 session shows Khamenei visibly emotional after his selection.
Analysts note that succession planning is not improvised. Committees within the Assembly maintain assessments and shortlists of potential candidates to ensure institutional readiness.
After Khomeini's death, several figures were discussed before Khamenei ultimately secured 60 of 74 votes. His experience as president, his role during the Iran-Iraq War, and his relatively young age were seen as decisive advantages.
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Unlike 1989, analysts say there is currently no single dominant figure widely viewed as capable of matching Khamenei's combined political authority and religious stature.
Several names have circulated in non-Iranian media, including his son Mojtaba Khamenei. However, assessments suggest he is not considered a leading contender.
Mojtaba wife was reportedly among those killed in a strike on Khamenei's compound, and he was not present at his residence at the time of the attack.
Another figure mentioned in foreign media is Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder, though insiders say he is also not under serious consideration.
Former President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May 2024, had been widely viewed as a potential successor, but his death removed one of the most prominent candidates from succession equation.
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