Alireza Arafi appointed to Iran s Leadership Council

Iran has named Alireza Arafi as the jurist member of its temporary Leadership Council after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei due to US-Israeli strikes, according to state media reports. This appointment was made on Sunday, as stated by the ISNA news agency. Arafi, who is a cleric and part of the Guardian Council, will join President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei on the council. This group will oversee the supreme leader's responsibilities until the Assembly of Experts chooses a new leader. State media confirmed Arafi’s position in the interim council. In Tehran, some residents celebrated late Saturday night, just before 11 pm local time, with cheers, music, whistles, and fireworks, even before the official announcement of Khamenei’s death. Videos verified by AFP showed these celebrations, but large crowds were absent due to concerns about a recent crackdown on anti-government protests in January. Meanwhile, others mourned in central Tehran's Enghelab Square, wearing black, some in tears, chanting “death to America” and “death to Israel,” while waving Iranian flags and holding photos of Khamenei. State television announced a 40-day mourning period and seven public holidays, emphasizing that Khamenei’s legacy would continue with renewed strength. President Pezeshkian labeled the killing as a “declaration of war against Muslims” by the US and Israel. The Revolutionary Guards had previously vowed to seek revenge on those responsible. US President Donald Trump declared Khamenei’s death on Truth Social late Saturday, calling him “one of the most evil people in History” and suggesting that this could give Iranians a chance to reclaim their nation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encouraged Iranians to rise against their government, calling Khamenei a “cruel tyrant” who has spread terror and oppressed his people while seeking Israel’s destruction for over three decades. Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s late shah, stated on X that Khamenei’s death signifies the end of the Islamic Republic, which he believes will soon fade into history.