Iran’s Assembly of Experts moves toward selecting new supreme leader

Following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in airstrikes on February 28, the Iranian Assembly of Experts is working to select his successor. While member Ayatollah Mohammadmehdi Mirbaqeri reported a majority consensus on a candidate, other members have cited procedural obstacles regarding whether a final vote requires an in-person meeting. Ayatollah Mohsen Heidari Alekasir stated that an in-person assembly is currently impossible, though some officials expressed hope for a resolution within 24 hours. A three-man council is temporarily managing state affairs, as hardline clerics urge an accelerated appointment process. Tensions remain high as the U.S. and Israel have publicly threatened to target the new leader, with Mojtaba Khamenei mentioned as a potential, albeit contested, successor. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps maintains its capability to sustain conflict for at least six months. Conflicting reports persist regarding whether a candidate has already been finalized or if deliberations are still ongoing.