Why the Iranian regime did not collapse after Khamenei’s assassination

Following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in March 2026, concerns arose about the stability of the Iranian regime. However, the article argues that the Islamic Republic is structured to withstand such shocks. The Iranian constitution, anticipating a power vacuum, outlines a process where a temporary council assumes leadership responsibilities. This council, comprised of the president, head of the judiciary, and a Guardian Council member, governs until the Assembly of Experts selects a new supreme leader. The Assembly of Experts, consisting of 88 members, is responsible for choosing Khamenei's successor. This "survival protocol" aims to maintain the system's functionality during the transition, shifting the focus from the leader's survival to the regime's internal cohesion.

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