Iran's Assembly of Experts names new supreme leader, identity withheld
Iran's clerical body selected a successor to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died February 28, but has not disclosed the name.
March 8, 2026 at 09:59 AM
Iran's Assembly of Experts designated a new supreme leader on Sunday to succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed February 28 in attacks organized by Israel and the United States, according to members of the clerical body. The identity of the chosen successor remains undisclosed.
"The most suitable candidate, approved by the majority of the assembly of experts, was designated," said Mohsen Heydari, representative of Khuzestan Province in the Assembly, according to the ISNA news agency. Another member of the body, Mohamad Mehdi Mirbagheri, confirmed in a video distributed by the Fars news agency that a "firm opinion, reflecting the position of the majority," was adopted.
Ahmad Alamolhoda, another assembly member, stated that "the vote to designate the guide took place and the guide was elected," adding that "his name will be revealed later," according to the Mehr news agency.
The Assembly of Experts, composed of 88 clerics, is responsible for selecting Iran's supreme leader. Khamenei had held the position since 1989, making him the longest-serving supreme leader since Iran's 1979 revolution. The new appointment will mark the third supreme leader under the Islamic Republic.
The timing of the name's disclosure remains unclear. Several names have circulated as potential candidates in recent days, including Mojtaba Khamenei, a 56-year-old son of the late leader. According to The New York Times, Iran delayed announcing the new leader despite pressure from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, citing concerns about potential attacks from U.S. or Israeli forces.
Following Khamenei's death, Iran activated Article 111 of its Constitution, establishing a Provisional Leadership Council to manage state functions during the ongoing conflict. The council comprises President Masoud Pezeshkian, serving as the civilian and administrative face to the international community; Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, head of the Judiciary representing the hardline faction and legal continuity of the clerical system; and a third member, according to reports from U.S. and Israeli intelligence sources.
Last week, Israel struck a building where the Assembly of Experts was believed to be meeting to discuss the succession. According to the Iranian government, there were no deaths in that specific operation. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated days ago that any leader designated by the Iranian regime to continue plans against Israel would face consequences.