World Breaking: Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei Dead—US Claim; Who Will Hold Reins of Power? - Punjabi News

Published on: 01 Mar 2026 at 07:00 AM

World Breaking: Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Dead—US Claim; Who Will Hold Reins of Power?

Published by: thefactnews

World Breaking: Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Dead—US Claim; Who Will Hold Reins of Power?

Tehran/Washington: March 1, 2026
A historic and earthquake-like change has come in Middle East politics. US President Donald Trump has confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint US-Israel airstrikes. Trump said Khamenei failed to evade US tracking systems. Tehran is gripped by panic post-event, mobile networks jammed, roads to Supreme Leader’s office sealed.

How Supreme Leader Selection Works?

Per Iranian Constitution, new leader elected by ‘Assembly of Experts’—88-member body of top Islamic scholars/clergy. Post-Khamenei’s death, assembly meets immediately to approve successor.

Top Contenders in Succession Race

Key names in discussion:

Ayatollah Alireza Arafi: Head of Iran’s seminary system, symbol of hardline continuity.
Hojjat-ul-Islam Mohsen Qomi: Khamenei’s close aide, senior office advisor.
G.H. Mohseni Ejei: Current judiciary chief; national security experience.
Ayatollah Mohsen Araki: Influential religious leader.
Hasheme Husseini Bushehri: Friday prayer imam with clergy clout.