Tehran, March 1: Iran has formed a temporary leadership council and announced 40-day mourning after the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Khamenei was killed in an airstrike carried out by joint forces of the United States and Israel on Saturday. Khamenei’s death has put an end to the 37 years old leadership and has created major political turmoil in the country. Top security officials were also killed along with Khamenei’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Among the faithful are men who fulfill what they have pledged to Allah: there are some among them who have fulfilled their pledge, and some of them who still wait, and they have not changed in the least (Holy Quran 33:23). pic.twitter.com/f1JizOKWQD
— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) March 1, 2026
Who Is Running Iran Now?
As per reports from Al-Jazeera, a three-member transitional council has been formed to manage the country’s affairs until a new Supreme Leader is chosen.
#WATCH | Delhi | On the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Imam of Shia Jama Masjid Maulana Mohd Ali Mohsin Taqvi says, “Every person in favour of justice and sovereignty of a country is deeply saddened today. The world is about to witness worse days. The… pic.twitter.com/lxwcJVgzR6
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026
The members of the council are:
1. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran
2. Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, Chief Justice
3, Alireza Arafi, senior cleric and member of the Guardian Council
#WATCH | Ramban, J&K | On killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Shia Community Leader Syed Samar Kazmi says, “This is not the first time we have lost a leader, but we will not forget the death of our beloved leader. We will convey to our generations how America… pic.twitter.com/AENhHOMESY
— ANI (@ANI) March 1, 2026
Arafi was confirmed to the temporary council by the Expediency Council which is an important body that resolves disputes within Iran’s political system.
Tehran
Lucknow#Khamenei
pic.twitter.com/qsgbyOT7TX— Sachin Gupta (@SachinGuptaUP) March 1, 2026
What Does Iran’s Constitution Say?
Under Article 111 of Iran’s Constitution, this temporary council will govern the country until a new Supreme Leader is selected.
The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali #Khamenei, lived a pious life, loved #Iran, secured Iran’s independence, opposed foreign domination, and worked tirelessly for our country’s resilience and fortitude.
His last phase of life—an honorable and dignified death as a martyr on… pic.twitter.com/9HL2TC1yJx
— Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran (@IRIMFA_EN) March 1, 2026
The decision will be made by the Assembly of Experts which is an 88-member religious body. The Constitution says this panel must choose a new leader “as soon as possible.”
“Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei…” – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/oXZTFGg5pS
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 28, 2026
What Happens Next?
The three-member council will now manage the government duties in Iran. However, the key decision of choosing the next Supreme Leader will be taken by the Assembly of Experts.
The coming days would be crucial for Iran and it’s political future as the country prepares for leadership change during a period of high regional tensions.
