What’s Next for Iranian Regime Leadership After Khamenei’s Death

The Islamic Republic is in a very fluid situation.

This combo of file photos show Iran's key political and religious figures, top row, from left, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (now deceased), President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Larijani, Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohseni Eje'i, Head of Assembly Experts Mohammad-Ali Movahedi Kermani, and Secretary of Guardian Council Ahmad Jannati. Bottom row, from left, Khamenei's Chief of Staff Mohammad Golpayegani, Khamenei Adviser on International Affairs Ali Akbar Velayati, Khamenei Adviser on Foreign Policy Kamal Kharazi, First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Tehran Friday Prayer Imam Ahmad Khatami, and Khamenei's son Mojtaba Khamenei. AP Photo/File

News Analysis

With 37 years in power, speculation over who could replace Ali Khamenei as head of the Islamic Republic of Iran had developed a narrative of its own, with names ranging from his cleric son to former presidents and even a leadership council.