Iran has selected a new Supreme Leader following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but the identity of the successor has not yet been publicly disclosed as the country remains in the middle of an escalating conflict.
The powerful 88-member Assembly of Experts, the clerical body constitutionally tasked with appointing Iran's top authority, has already reached a decision on the next leader of the Islamic Republic, according to Iranian media reports.
However, officials have withheld the name of the chosen cleric citing security concerns amid ongoing strikes and regional tensions.
Senior cleric Ayatollah Mohsen Heidari Alekasir indicated that a suitable candidate had been selected after consultations within the assembly. The formal announcement is expected to be made by Ayatollah Hashem Hosseini Bushehri, who heads the body's secretariat.
The leadership transition comes days after Khamenei was killed in air strikes during the conflict that began on February 28, in which Israeli and US attacks have targeted Iranian military and political figures.
Speculation has focused on Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's 56-year-old son, who is known to have close links with Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards and has long been considered influential within the clerical establishment. However, no official confirmation has been issued regarding the successor.
The Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority in Iran, overseeing the armed forces, judiciary and key state institutions.