How succession works in Iran and who could be the country’s next supreme leader

Associated Press (AP)EN 3 min read 100% complete by By JON GAMBRELLMarch 1, 2026 at 01:53 PM

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Iranian state media confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following his death after almost 37 years in power, a leadership council was formed on Sunday to govern the country. The council consists of Iran’s president, the head of the judiciary, and a member of the Guardian Council. Khamenei's death raises questions about Iran's future and the complex succession process. The article suggests Khamenei was killed in an airstrike campaign by the United States and Israel.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ramadan 30% Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque 40% Eid al-Fitr 40% Tehran 50% Guardian Council 60% Expediency Council 60% United States ×270% Israel ×270% Iran ×690% Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ×4100%

Keywords

supreme leader 100% iran 100% ayatollah ali khamenei 90% succession 90% leadership council 80% theocratic power 70% expediency council 60% guardian council 60% nuclear program 60% united states 50%

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Associated Press (AP)

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supreme leader iran ayatollah ali khamenei succession leadership council theocratic power expediency council guardian council nuclear program united states

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