JUST IN: Iran Chooses New Supreme Leader After Khamenei’s Death

Iran’s powerful clerical establishment has concluded deliberations to choose a new supreme leader following the death of Ali Khamenei.

The decision was taken on Sunday by the influential Assembly of Experts, the constitutional body responsible for appointing and supervising the country’s highest religious authority.

Members of the council confirmed that voting had already taken place and that a successor had been agreed upon.

However, officials said the name of the chosen candidate would be made public later through the body’s secretariat.

Ahmad Alamolhoda, a member of the assembly, disclosed that the selection process had been completed after internal consultations among the clerics.

“The vote to appoint the leader has taken place and the leader has been chosen,” he said.

According to him, the formal announcement would be released after administrative procedures are concluded.

The leadership position in Iran carries enormous influence. The supreme leader holds ultimate authority over the country’s political system, military establishment, judiciary, and religious institutions. The office also has the final say on key matters of national policy and security.

Another member of the assembly, Mohsen Heydari, who represents Khuzestan province, also confirmed that the clerics had agreed on a candidate.

“The most suitable candidate, approved by the majority of the Assembly of Experts, has been determined,” he said.

Heydari also made reference to the United States, describing it with a phrase commonly used by Iranian leaders.

“The ‘Great Satan’ has also mentioned the name of the choice made by the representatives,” he added.

Speculation over the identity of the successor has intensified in recent weeks. Some members of the political establishment have hinted that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late leader, could emerge as the new head of the Islamic Republic. Mojtaba has long been mentioned within conservative circles as a possible heir to his father’s influence.

However, the prospect has drawn reactions abroad. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, recently insisted that Washington should have a say in the selection of Iran’s next leader. Trump also dismissed Mojtaba Khamenei as a “lightweight” and rejected the idea of him occupying the position.

Iranian officials swiftly pushed back against the remarks, stating that the choice of a supreme leader is strictly an internal matter and cannot be influenced by foreign governments.

Another assembly member, Mohammad Mehdi Mirbagheri, also confirmed that the decision had been finalized.

In a video statement, he explained that the clerical body had reached consensus after extensive consultations.

“A firm opinion reflecting the majority view has been reached,” he said.

The leadership transition comes at a tense moment for the region. Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed on February 28 during coordinated strikes carried out by forces linked to Israel and the United States. The attacks triggered a wider confrontation that has since escalated across parts of the Middle East.

Tensions rose further on Sunday after the Israeli military issued a warning directed at members of the assembly responsible for selecting the new leader. The message was posted on the military’s Farsi-language account on the social media platform X.

“We wish to inform you that the State of Israel will continue to closely monitor any successor and anyone seeking to appoint one,” the statement said.

“We warn all those considering taking part in this meeting to select the successor that we will not hesitate to target you.”

Despite the threats, Mirbagheri insisted the process would continue without interruption. He said the clerics remained committed to completing the transition despite the security challenges.

According to him, the assembly was proceeding cautiously because “the current circumstances are difficult and obstacles remain”.