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The Latest Breaking News from the Guardian Council

How does Iran go about selecting a new supreme leader? And who is in the running?

The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Feb. 28, 2026, set off the process of selecting a new supreme leader. It is only the second such transition in the Islamic Republic’s 47-year history and the first since the ailing Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini transferred power to Khamenei in June 1989.

The Conversation

5 Photos of Mojtaba Khamenei, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Son and Iran's New Supreme Leader

Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as Iran's new supreme leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Learn about the succession process and Mojtaba's background.

International Business Times UK

Who could be Iran’s next supreme leader? And how is he chosen?

Since beginning their assault on Iran, that United States and Israel have been explicit that their ultimate goal is regime change.

The Conversation

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Why Iran's 'beheaded' power structure may outlive Ali Khamenei

Iran has begun a formal transition, following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in American-Israeli strikes. Under the country's constitution, an interim leadership council is now in place, but this death strips the Islamic Republic of the figure who stood at the apex of power for 36 years. As…

Radio France Internationale

A look at some of the contenders to be Iran's supreme leader after the killing of Khamenei

Iran’s leaders are scrambling to replace Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the country for 37 years before he was killed in the surprise U.S. and Israeli bombardment

The Independent UK

Who Will Lead Iran After Khamenei's Death? Meet the 5 Candidates Fighting for Supreme Power

Iran faces a succession crisis as the death of Ayatollah Khamenei leaves the country in turmoil. With clerics unable to convene due to ongoing strikes, political instability looms as rivals vie for power.

International Business Times UK

How succession works in Iran and who could be the country’s next supreme leader

Saturday's attack prompted retaliation from Iran

The Independent UK

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After Khamenei, who? How Iran chooses its Supreme Leader and who could be next

US President Donald Trump announced the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following joint US-Israeli air strikes. Khamenei's demise plunges Iran into uncertainty, with President Pezeshkian and two other officials leading a transitional period. The article explores the succession process and potential successors, including Khamenei's son and grandson,…

The Times of India

Khamenei killed in US strike: Who are his potential successors?

US President Donald Trump announced Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei's death following joint US-Israeli strikes, calling it a chance for Iranians to reclaim their nation. Israeli officials confirmed the death, with Iranian state media reporting explosions and disruptions in Tehran. The succession process, tightly controlled by the regime, now faces scrutiny…

The Times of India

US-Israel strike target Khamenei's offices; who are potential successors of Iran's supreme leader

US and Israel launched strikes near Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's offices in Tehran early Saturday, with smoke seen rising and multiple blasts reported. It was confirmed that Iran's supreme leader was not in office at the time of strikes. Roads to his compound were shut, airspace closed, and mobile services disrupted.…

The Times of India

Iran reformists urge concessions in attempt to reconnect to west

Decision expected in next week that could allow country to rejoin international banking system

The Guardian - UK

Reformist Candidate Leads In Iran's Presidential Election First Round

Iran's presidential election runoff between reformist and conservative candidates amid low turnout and political complexities.

Top News

Iran Opens Registration For Presidential Election Successor

Iran opens registration for presidential candidates post-Raisi's death. Political tensions, candidate criteria, and potential frontrunners in focus.

The Conversation

How Iran selects its supreme leader − a political scientist and Iran expert explains

The sudden death of President Ebrahim Raisi is unlikely to drastically alter Iran’s foreign and domestic policies, but it has left a power vacuum.

The Guardian - UK

Ebrahim Raisi’s death pushes Iranian election process into spotlight

Regime likely to ensure chosen candidate has no rivals but ex-president Rouhani is challenging power of Guardian Council

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