US President Donald Trump has stated his intention to be involved in the appointment of Iran's new leader, following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to Trump, he would only choose a leader after Iran's "unconditional surrender". The US president made these comments in telephone interviews with Axios and Reuters.
The Iranian leadership has responded, with the Mehr News Agency carrying a rebuke from members of the interim Leadership Council, stating that "the great Iranian nation will never allow anyone to interfere in its internal affairs and its right to determine its own destiny".
Iran's Leadership Selection Process
Iran's process of picking its new leader is secretive, with the Assembly of Experts, a grouping of 88 senior clerics, tasked with this responsibility. There are conflicting reports on the selection process, with some suggesting that Mojtaba Khamenei, the late leader's son, has already been anointed.
Mehdi Khalaji, a senior fellow of the Washington Institute for Near East policy, said that the interim Leadership Council has announced they have the authority over announcing war and peace, indicating they are waiting for the succession to be finalized.
Potential Candidates
Other names reported to be in the running for the leadership include Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of Iran's revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and Alireza Arafi, a senior jurist. However, it is unclear if the successor will be announced, as Israel has stated that whoever emerges will be a target.
US-Iran Conflict
The conflict between the US and Iran continues, with Iran carrying out retaliatory strikes against Israel and across the Gulf, and US and Israeli attacks on Iran entering a fifth day.
