Alireza Arafi appointed to Iran’s interim Leadership Council

DUBAI: Iranian cleric Alireza Arafi was appointed on Sunday as the jurist member of Iran’s temporary Leadership Council, the body tasked with assuming the duties of the supreme leader until a successor is formally chosen.

Alireza Arafi, who is also a member of the Guardian Council, will serve alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

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According to Mohsen Dehnavi, spokesperson for the Expediency Discernment Council, the appointment follows Article 111 of Iran’s Constitution. In a post on X, he explained that the interim council is formed upon the vacancy of the supreme leadership position.

Under constitutional provisions, the Leadership Council comprises the president, the head of the judiciary and a clerical member of the Guardian Council. Arafi has been selected to fill the clerical role, ensuring continuity in governance while the Assembly of Experts undertakes the process of appointing a permanent supreme leader.

The development comes after Iran confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, along with several senior officials, following reported attacks by Israel and the United States.