Iran has appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as its acting supreme leader, as the country begins a formal transition following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian officials say.
Truthlive news recalled that Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in joint US–Israeli air strikes on Saturday, a claim that has been confirmed by Iran authorities.
Ayatollah Arafi will carry out the duties of supreme leader on an interim basis until Iran’s Assembly of Experts selects a permanent successor, in line with the country’s constitution.
During the transition period, Mr Arafi will serve as part of a three-member leadership council alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and the head of the judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei.
The council is responsible for overseeing the core functions of the supreme leadership until a new leader is chosen.
Ayatollah Arafi, 67, is a senior cleric with decades of experience in Iran’s religious and political institutions. He has previously served on the influential Guardian Council and was confirmed to the interim leadership role by the Expediency Council.
The appointment comes amid heightened regional tensions following a sharp escalation in military exchanges involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
