Iran’s Temporary Council Assumes Leadership After Khamenei’s Death—What Comes Next?

The temporary commission takes control of the nation in the midst of a war with the United States and Israel.

Pro-regime demonstrators gather at a square to mourn the death of Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran on March 1, 2026. Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images

After the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes in Tehran, a temporary council has taken over the leadership of the nation.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said March 1 that the new leadership council “has begun its work.”