Senior cleric Ayatollah Arafi to govern Iran as interim Supreme Leader after Khamenei's death

Tehran: With Ayatollah Ali Khamenei being reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike, senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi will serve as Iran’s interim Supreme Leader. According to a report by Iran's official news agency ISNA, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been appointed as the jurist member of the interim leadership council responsible for carrying out the Supreme Leader’s duties until a successor is chosen in accordance with Iran’s constitutional process.

How has Iran's political elite reacted ? 

According to the constitutional mechanism of Iran, the interim council includes President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i and a cleric from the Guardian Council. This constitutional body will govern Iran after the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei death as the country's government enters a transition phase.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the elite paramilitary force of Iran, has also announced a change to its top leadership after its commander-in-chief General Mohammad Pakpour was killed in airstrikes carried out jointly by the US and Israel on Saturday. According to Iran's state-run media, Ahmad Vahidi has been appointed as the new chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

What did Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu say?

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to the Iranian people to take to the streets and seize power. "An opportunity like this comes once in a century, so don't let it slip away. Take to the streets in millions and seize power," he said. 

In a video message shared on the social media site X, Netanyahu also outlined his plans against Iran in the coming days. "In the coming days, we will launch thousands of attacks against the terrorist regime's targets. We will create the conditions for the brave people of Iran to break free from their shackles. For this reason, I once again appeal to all of you (Iranians), O citizens of Iran, do not let this opportunity slip away. Such an opportunity comes only once in every generation. Do not sit idly by, for your time has come," he said.

"This is the time when you must take to the streets, come out in millions, to complete your task of overthrowing the terrorist regime that has made your lives bitter. Your suffering, your sacrifice will not be in vain. The help you have been waiting for for years has arrived. Now it is your turn to unite," Netanyahu added.

Continuing his speech, Netanyahu said, "O citizens of Iran, Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Ahwazis, and Baluchis, the time has come for you to unite your forces, overthrow the regime, and secure your future."