Summary
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed during U.S. and Israeli strikes. This has led to uncertainty about who will become the next leader, as no successor was named. A temporary leadership council has been set up until a permanent leader is chosen by the Assembly of Experts.
Key Facts
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989, was killed in military attacks by the U.S. and Israel.
- The strikes also targeted senior Iranian military and political officials.
- Iran retaliated, launching attacks toward Israel and allies in the Middle East, causing regional instability.
- A temporary leadership council now governs Iran until a new leader is selected.
- Possible contenders for the Supreme Leader position include Ali Larijani and Mojtaba Khamenei.
- The Assembly of Experts will eventually select a permanent leader for Iran.
- Khamenei did not publicly name a successor before his death.
