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 L–R) Iranian Leader 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 of Experts Mohammad-Ali Movahedi Kermani, and Secretary of the Guardian Council Ahmad Jannati. (Bottom L–R) Khamenei's chief of staff, Mohammad Golpayegani; Khamenei's adviser on international affairs, Ali Akbar Velayati; Khamenei's 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

Speculation about who could replace Ali Khamenei—who was in power for 37 years—as head of the Iranian regime had over the years developed a narrative of its own, with names ranging from his cleric son to former presidents and even a leadership council.