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Iran Leadership Crisis Deepens as US-Israel Strikes Kill Khamenei

Following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader in ongoing attacks, cleric Alireza Arafi has been appointed to a temporary Leadership Council to help govern the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a joint US-Israel operation aimed at removing what he called an existential threat from Iran's regime. In retaliation, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps says it has launched attacks on US and Israeli military facilities across the Middle East. An interim council including Iran's President will oversee the nation until the Assembly of Experts can elect a new Supreme Leader.

Key Points: Iran's Leadership Council Formed After Khamenei Killed in Strikes

  • Alireza Arafi appointed to interim Leadership Council
  • Khamenei killed in US-Israel strikes
  • Netanyahu announces joint anti-Iran operation
  • IRGC launches retaliatory attacks
  • Interim council to govern until new leader elected
2 min read

Alireza Arafi appointed as Jurist in Iran's Leadership Council

Alireza Arafi appointed to Iran's interim council after Supreme Leader Khamenei killed in US-Israel attacks. Netanyahu announces joint operation.

"We will not allow a murderous terrorist regime to arm itself with nuclear weapons. - Benjamin Netanyahu"

Tehran, March 1

Alireza Arafi, a cleric member of the Guardian Council, has been appointed as the jurist member of Iran's Leadership Council, a body tasked with fulfilling the supreme leader's role until the Assembly of Experts elects a new leader, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday.

Arafi will be part of the temporary Leadership Council alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, as per Al Jazeera.

Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the joint operation with the US to "remove the existential threat to Isreal."

In a video address, he said, "Good week, my brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel. This morning, Israel and the United States set out on a joint operation to remove the existential threat to Israel from the Ayatollahs' regime in Iran. I told you: The operation will continue as long as necessary, and patience is also required."

"I thank my friend, President Donald Trump, for his leadership. I spoke with him again this morning and I commend the close cooperation between us. We will not allow a murderous terrorist regime to arm itself with nuclear weapons. We will continue to strike at the targets of the terrorist regime and remove the threat. And I also appeal to the citizens of Iran: Do not miss the opportunity. Unite together for your future and your freedom. Citizens of Israel, continue to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command. Together we will stand firm. The people of Israel live," he added.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top security officials have been killed in the US and Israel's ongoing attacks.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps pledged revenge and says it has launched attacks on 27 bases hosting US troops in the Middle East, as well as Israeli military facilities in Tel Aviv. Explosions continue to be heard in Qatar and the UAE. US President Donald Trump has also warned Iran will be hit "with a force that has never been seen before" if it hits "very hard today," Al Jazeera reported.

Iran's government says an interim council, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, will oversee the country until a new supreme leader is elected. Iranian state media say at least 201 people have been killed in the attacks across 24 provinces, as per Al Jazeera.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The human cost is heartbreaking. 201 lives lost? Innocent Iranians are suffering the most. The world's focus should be on stopping the violence and providing humanitarian aid, not on geopolitical power plays. 🇮🇳
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Arjun K
Arafi's appointment shows the system is trying to maintain continuity. But with US and Israel involved so directly, this conflict could spiral out of control. India's "strategic autonomy" will be tested like never before. We need strong diplomacy right now.
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Sarah B
Reading this from Dubai. The tension here is palpable. Explosions in Qatar and UAE? This is happening too close to home. Many Indian families are worried. Hope our government has a solid evacuation plan if needed.
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Vikram M
Netanyahu's address sounds like a script for a movie. "Remove the existential threat"? This kind of language is irresponsible from a world leader. It only fuels more hatred and violence. The path should be dialogue, not annihilation.
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Karthik V
Our foreign policy needs to be crystal clear. We have good relations with both the Gulf nations and Israel. But we cannot afford to be seen as taking sides in what is essentially a US-Israel vs Iran conflict. National interest first – protect our people and our oil supplies.
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Michael C

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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