Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday announced that a new interim leadership council has formally begun functioning. This comes after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US and Israeli strikes.In a recorded video statement broadcast on state television, Pezeshkian said, “The interim leadership council started its work. We will continue with all our strength along the path set by Imam Khamenei, the founder of the Islamic Republic.”He added ““We will continue the path of the Leader with strength. Our Armed Forces are crushing the bases of the enemies.”Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that the process to appoint a new Supreme Leader could be completed within days, Al Jazeera reported.Speaking to the news outlet on Sunday, he said state institutions were functioning, and succession procedures were underway.“You may see the selection of a supreme leader in a day or two,” Araghchi said, adding that “Iran’s institutions are functioning” and that the country “has constitutional procedures in place.”Describing the killing as a watershed moment, Araghchi said, ““It is absolutely unprecedented and a major violation of international law for a leader of another country to be assassinated by foreign forces.”He further warned, “That would make this conflict – this war of aggression by the Americans against us – even more dangerous and more complicated, and it would perhaps add new aspects to it.”The foreign minister also confirmed that Tehran had activated constitutional provisions to ensure continuity of governance.“We have begun a constitutional process, and the Transitional Council was established today and will work to manage affairs,” he said. Emphasising Iran’s stance on retaliation and self-defence, Araghchi added, “We have no restrictions or limits in defending ourselves.”

How is Iran’s leader selected?

Under Iran’s constitution, the Supreme Leader is the highest authority in the country, wielding control over the armed forces, judiciary, state broadcasting and key appointments, while also setting overarching state policy.In the event of a vacancy, the Assembly of Experts — an elected clerical body — is tasked with selecting a successor.If the post becomes suddenly vacant, a temporary leadership arrangement is activated to ensure continuity. This typically involves senior constitutional authorities assuming interim responsibilities until a new Supreme Leader is chosen.