Khamenei's confidant Arafi named interim leader of Iran

 

 

Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, a senior cleric and member of the Guardian Council, has been appointed as a member of the interim leadership council. The council will carry out Khamenei's duties until a new supreme leader is chosen. The other members of the council are Iranian President Masoud Pesekhian and Chief Justice Gholam Hossein Mohsen Ezei.

Previously, these duties were held only by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Although technically only one of the three members, Arafi will be elevated to the position of interim supreme leader as the only cleric on the council.