US-Iran conflict: Who will replace Khamenei and how is the Supreme Leader chosen? All you need to know

The recent death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reportedly due to US-Israel military strikes, has plunged Iran into a state of mourning and uncertainty. Following his passing, a 40-day mourning period has commenced, during which the focus shifts to the critical question of succession for the Supreme Leader. The Assembly of Experts, a body tasked with electing the next Supreme Leader, will play a vital role in this transition. Among the potential successors, key figures include Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, the current Chief Justice, Hassan Khomeini, grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder, and Ahmad Khatami, a prominent cleric. Their selection will not only determine Iran's leadership but also shape the future of its policies, both domestically and internationally. As tensions remain high in the region, the choice of Khamenei's successor is anticipated with great interest, given the implications it holds for Iran's political landscape and its relations with the West, particularly the United States and Israel.