Alireza Arafi takes charge of Iran after Khamenei’s death, Council appoints him interim Supreme Leader

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Following the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in US-Israel attacks, Alireza Arafi has been appointed as the country’s new interim Supreme Leader.

Arafi’s inclusion as the jurist member of the leadership council means he will perform the duties of Supreme Leader until a permanent successor is chosen by the Assembly.

Born in 1959 in Meybod city of Yazd province, Alireza Arafi is a Shia cleric. He currently serves as a member of the Guardian Council, the Assembly of Experts and is also associated with the Basij. In the past, he has held key positions including Chairman of Al-Mustafa International University, Friday prayer leader in Qom and head of Iran’s seminary system.

It has been clarified that Arafi has been appointed as interim Supreme Leader, and the Assembly of Experts will later elect a permanent leader.

Why Arafi was chosen

Arafi was selected as Iran’s interim Supreme Leader under Article 111 of the Constitution after Khamenei’s death. A temporary leadership council was formed, consisting of the President, the Chief Justice and a jurist member from the Guardian Council.

As the jurist member of this three-member council, Arafi is now carrying out the responsibilities of interim Supreme Leader. Known as a close associate of Khamenei, he has held multiple influential roles, including membership in the Guardian Council and the Assembly of Experts, leadership in the Basij and authority within Iran’s seminary system.

His appointment is seen as a move to ensure ideological continuity, administrative stability and regime balance during wartime conditions.