ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A week after the US and Israel began airstrikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran is grappling with the urgent task of choosing a new leader.
To manage state affairs, a three-member interim leadership council was formed to carry out the Leader's duties. However, this council does not possess the full powers of the Supreme Leader and cannot fulfill the role of a Marjaa (religious authority) in Iran. Consequently, the issue of electing a new leader as soon as possible to navigate the state of war is considered the most critical internal issue in Iran.
Assembly of Experts: A leader has not yet been chosen
A member of the presidium of Iran’s Assembly of Experts states that a new leader has not yet been elected, but the Assembly is busy identifying a successor and may reach a final conclusion soon.
Mohsen Qomi, a member of the presidium of the Assembly of Experts, stated on Thursday that "the process of electing the new leader is nearing completion." He added that all reports published so far are inaccurate and based on speculation rather than information.
Sadeq Larijani, Chairman of the Expediency Discernment Council, also said in an interview with Iranian media the same day that a new leader for the Islamic Republic has not yet been chosen. Larijani stated, "According to the constitution, a leader must be elected as soon as possible. However, because there is currently a war, 'as soon as possible' means whenever the Assembly of Experts is able to convene and make a decision."
Media outlets affiliated with the Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) previously quoted informed sources saying, "Due to the state of war, the meeting of the Assembly of Experts may not take place in a normal manner."
These clarifications came after several global media outlets reported that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Ali Khamenei, had been elected by the Assembly of Experts as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. For years, rumors have circulated that preparations were being made for Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father; however, since the start of the war, Mojtaba Khamenei's whereabouts remain unknown.
The Assembly of Experts has not yet disclosed the names of the individuals it is vetting for the leadership, nor is it clear how many candidates are under consideration.
Moderates and reformists issue warnings
As discussions intensify regarding the election of a new leader, conservatives are calling for strict adherence to the decisions of the Assembly of Experts, while some moderates are demanding a leader who is acceptable to all political factions.
Mojtaba Akbari, spokesperson for the Sharyan Front - a coalition of Iranian conservative forces - said on Thursday that "all political movements, parties, and factions must support the decision of the Assembly of Experts regarding the election of the leader."
In contrast to the conservatives, reformists and moderates within the Iranian establishment warned on Thursday against appointing someone who only represents one faction of power.
Mahmoud Vaezi, head of the political bureau of the Moderate and Development Party and a close associate of former President Hassan Rouhani, stated: "The future of the Islamic Republic is tied to the election of the third leader," adding that someone must be chosen who "strengthens unity and holds the trust of the people.