A top Iranian security official said on Sunday the country would form an interim council later in the day to assume leadership responsibilities until the selection of a new leader.
Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani made the remarks in an interview with state-run IRIB TV hours after the country confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in strikes launched by the United States and Israel on Saturday in Tehran.
Larijani said that according to Article 111 of Iran's Constitution, if the country lacks leadership, its president, judiciary chief and a jurist from the Constitutional Council will temporarily assume the leader's responsibilities.
He added that the council would be set up as soon as possible.
The security council chief said that the entire nation has become mournful and angry, and will respond to the Israeli and U.S. actions.
Larijani warned that Israel seeks to divide Iran to dominate the entire West Asia region, adding that the United States has fallen “into Israel's trap.”
He stressed that despite U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" slogan, Israel's interests appear to be the top U.S. priority, saying that Israel has dominated the United States.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Sunday extended his condolences on the death of Khamenei. In a statement posted on X, Araghchi described Khamenei as "sagacious leader, resolute in decision, profound in wisdom, and steadfast on the path of truth," who has left behind an enduring legacy of dignity, prudence, and perseverance for history.
He said that the martyrdom of such a towering figure is undoubtedly "a tremendous loss and a heartbreaking sorrow", yet his luminous school of thought and steadfast path shall remain alive, dynamic, and inspiring.
"Now, at this decisive juncture, safeguarding this precious legacy and continuing the radiant path of that righteous servant of God constitute a historic mission and a grave responsibility upon us all," he said.
The Iranian Foreign Minister emphasized that it is "the path of faith, resistance, and hope—a path irrigated by the pure blood of martyrs and sustained by the unwavering resolve of its followers."
"The banner he raised shall not fall to the ground; faithful and steadfast hands will carry it to ever loftier summits," he stressed.
On Saturday morning, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and several other Iranian cities, including Tabriz, Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah, and Karaj. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases across the region.
Several Iranian senior officials, including Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Abdolrahim Mousavi, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, Secretary of the Defense Council Ali Shamkhani, and Mohammad Pakpour, chief commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, were also killed in the strike.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society said that the strikes hit at least 24 of Iran's 31 provinces, with 201 deaths and 747 injuries reported so far.
Iran to form interim leadership council until next leader's selection
Iran to form interim leadership council until next leader's selection
