Tehran: Iran's Assembly of Experts has reportedly reached a majority agreement on the successor to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Tehran-based Mehr News Agency.
The development follows the killing of the 86-year-old leader, triggering one of the most significant leadership transitions in the Islamic Republic in decades. Assembly of Experts member Mirbaqeri said that although a majority consensus has been reached on the next leader, the transition process is still ongoing as some procedural matters remain unresolved.
Earlier in the week, members of Iran's leadership council indicated that the appointment of a new Supreme Leader could take place soon, signalling that deliberations are continuing despite the tense geopolitical environment.
In a video circulated by Tasnim News Agency, an Iranian official told state television that the country's leadership structure remains stable despite the transition.
"No problem has arisen in the field of leadership," the official said, confirming that a temporary leadership council is currently overseeing the country's affairs.
The official also acknowledged that the process of selecting a new Supreme Leader is unfolding during a "war situation", referring to the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran.
Comparison with 1989 leadership transition
Iranian authorities noted that the present situation differs significantly from the transition that followed the death of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1989.
At that time, a new Supreme Leader was appointed relatively quickly because the country was not facing an active conflict. The current transition, however, is taking place amid heightened regional tensions and military confrontation.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have rejected claims circulating in Israeli media that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader, has already been selected as the next leader.
In a statement posted on X, the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai said reports about potential candidates "have no official source and are officially denied."
Public mourning ceremonies begin
Iranian state media reported that citizens will be able to pay their final respects to Ayatollah Khamenei during a ceremony scheduled at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Ground in Tehran.
The mourning ceremony is expected to continue for three days, with details of the final funeral procession to be announced later. The leadership transition comes at a time of rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East. Reports indicate that US and Israeli strikes killed Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials.
In response, Iran has reportedly launched retaliatory strikes targeting American military bases and Israeli assets across the region, raising fears of broader regional escalation.