Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a senior Iranian cleric, has been named as the jurist member of Iran’s interim Leadership Council following the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US–Israeli military strikes earlier this week. Iranian state-linked media and official statements confirm that Arafi’s appointment completes the three-person body now responsible for leading the country during the transitional period.
Under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, an interim leadership council is established when the position of Supreme Leader becomes vacant, until the Assembly of Experts elects a permanent successor. Arafi, who is a member of Iran’s powerful Guardian Council and a veteran cleric, joins President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei on the temporary council.
At 67 years old, Arafi brings extensive experience within Iran’s religious and political structures. He has served in prominent clerical roles and held leadership positions within Iran’s system of seminaries and religious institutions. As the sole cleric in the interim leadership body, Arafi is expected to play a central role in guiding the nation through this period of uncertainty.
His appointment follows Iran’s official declaration of national mourning and heightened tensions after the death of Khamenei, who had led the country since 1989. The transitional council will exercise the Supreme Leader’s powers until the Assembly of Experts convenes to select a new leader — a process that could shape Iran’s political direction moving forward.
The situation remains fluid, with regional tensions escalating as Iran and its allies respond to the strikes. The establishment of the interim leadership council marks a key moment in Iran’s constitutional process and the future of its governance.
