Alireza Arafi appointed to Iran’s interim leadership council

DUBAI: Iranian cleric Alireza Arafi was appointed on Sunday as the jurist member of Iran’s temporary Leadership Council, a body responsible for assuming the duties of the supreme leader until a successor is formally chosen.

Arafi, who is also a member of the Guardian Council, will serve alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

According to Mohsen Dehnavi, spokesperson for the Expediency Discernment Council, the appointment follows Article 111 of Iran’s Constitution. He explained via social media platform X that the interim council is formed upon the vacancy of the supreme leadership position.

The Leadership Council consists of the president, the head of the judiciary, and a clerical member of the Guardian Council. Arafi was selected to fill this clerical role, ensuring continuity in governance while the Assembly of Experts works to appoint a permanent supreme leader.

This development comes after Iran confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials, following reported attacks by Israel and the United States.