Following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in strikes carried out by the United States and Israel, Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been appointed as Iran’s interim Supreme Leader. Arafi, regarded as one of Khamenei’s closest associates, has joined the three-member Leadership Council overseeing the transition.
Alireza Arafi is a highly influential figure in Iran’s religious and political spheres. Born in 1959 in Meybod, Yazd Province, his father, Mohammad Ibrahim al-Arafi, was a close confidant of revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini. Arafi currently serves on the Guardian Council, which reviews Iranian laws, and is a member of the Assembly of Experts responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader.
In addition to his political roles, Arafi oversees all Shia religious educational institutions in Iran and has previously chaired *Al-Mustafa International University*. He also heads the paramilitary Basij forces. His extensive experience in religious education and strong standing among Shia Muslims contributed to his selection as interim Supreme Leader.
Arafi is expected to serve in this role temporarily, with leadership likely to be transferred to another individual in the coming days. Meanwhile, Iran has already launched retaliatory strikes on US bases in Gulf countries, leaving the country’s immediate future and return to normalcy uncertain.