Summary
Iran is searching for a new supreme leader after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The supreme leader in Iran is a very important figure who makes major decisions, and choosing a new one has only happened once since 1979. A temporary council is managing the country while an assembly of clergy picks Khamenei's successor from several candidates.
Key Facts
- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was Iran's supreme leader for 37 years before he died.
- This is only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that Iran is choosing a new supreme leader.
- The new leader will be chosen by the Assembly of Experts, a group of elected clerics.
- Iran's provisional government now includes President Masoud Pezeshkian and two other leaders.
- The top contenders for the role include Mojtaba Khamenei, Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi, Hassan Rouhani, Hassan Khomeini, and Ayatollah Mohammed Mehdi Mirbagheri.
- The candidates have different backgrounds, some favoring strong action against the West and others supporting more open diplomacy.
- The supreme leader has control over major decisions, including issues of war, peace, and Iran’s nuclear program.
