Iran Names Interim Leadership After Khamenei Death Report

TEHRAN: (Web Desk) – Iranian state television reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian will lead a three-member transitional body following the reported death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The interim arrangement will also include judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and a senior representative from the country’s legal council. The announcement was attributed to Khamenei’s adviser Mohammad Mokhber.

Iran Confirms Khamenei Martyred in US-Israel Military Attack

Meanwhile attention has focused on Iran’s top security figure Ali Shamkhani who currently heads the Defence Council. Israel claimed Shamkhani was killed during recent US-Israel strikes on Iran but Tehran has not confirmed his death. Israeli military sources stated that several senior Iranian officials were targeted in the attacks.

Shamkhani aged 70 is a veteran of Iran’s defence and security establishment and an ethnic Arab from Khuzestan province. He played a central role in restoring diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023 through China-brokered talks. For over a decade he served as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council before being appointed head of the newly formed Defence Council after the 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2025.

A rear admiral by training Shamkhani commanded both the regular navy and the IRGC naval forces during the 1990s. He later served two terms as defence minister under former president Mohammad Khatami. Despite being targeted during last year’s conflict according to Iranian officials he returned to active duty shortly afterward.

Shamkhani has also faced US sanctions including measures imposed on his son by the US Treasury over alleged corruption linked to maritime businesses. His diplomatic legacy includes direct engagement with regional rivals and participation in negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. In 2000 Saudi Arabia awarded him the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud for efforts to improve bilateral ties.