Tehran, March 1: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and two senior officials will oversee the country’s leadership transition following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iranian state television reported on Sunday.
According to state media, the transitional leadership will include Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and a senior representative from Iran’s legal council. The report cited senior officials close to the late Supreme Leader.
Khamenei’s death was announced by Iranian state media early Sunday after reports of a major strike targeting key leadership figures. He had led Iran since 1989 and was the country’s highest political and religious authority.
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a statement vowing “severe and decisive” retaliation against those responsible, warning of intensified military action against Israel and U.S. interests in the region.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington had coordinated closely with Israel in operations targeting Iran’s leadership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also called for continued action against Iran’s ruling establishment.
Explosions were reported again in Tehran in the early hours following the announcement, while Iran responded with missile and drone strikes across parts of the Middle East. Casualties were reported in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv as tensions escalated further.
The situation remains fluid as Iran enters a critical transition phase under interim leadership.
