Iran’s government has moved quickly to fill the power vacuum left by the passing of Ali Khamenei. Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has emerged as the leading religious figure in a new "Leadership Council" designed to ensure the country remains stable during this period of crisis.
Arafi is a "hardline" loyalist who is deeply trusted by the country’s religious establishment.
His appointment is meant to signal that the core ideology of the Islamic Republic will not change.
The transition is supported by the President and the Judiciary Chief. Together, these three men hold the ultimate power that was previously held only by Khamenei.
While the new council settles in, Israel and the U.S. have warned that they will continue to monitor the situation. Prime Minister Netanyahu has even called on Iranian citizens to use this moment of transition to "finish the job" and push for total change.
This is only the second time in nearly 50 years that Iran has had to replace its Supreme Leader, making this an incredibly tense and significant moment for the entire world.
