Iran's Assembly of Experts Elects New Supreme Leader After Khamenei's Death

Iran's Assembly of Experts confirmed on Sunday, March 8, 2026, that they have elected a successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli offensive on February 28. The name of the new leader has not yet been revealed, pending an official announcement.

Key points

• The Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for electing the Supreme Leader, confirmed the vote took place.
• Potential candidates mentioned include Mojtaba Khamenei, the deceased leader's son, and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder.
• Israel has warned that the new Supreme Leader and the members of the Assembly who confirmed the choice will be targets.
• The designation occurs amid ongoing intense strikes across Iran, with oil depots in Tehran reportedly hit by Israel.
• Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims sufficient supplies for at least six months of aerial warfare.

Why it matters

The selection of a new Supreme Leader is a critical transition of power for Iran, occurring while the country is engaged in an active conflict with the US and Israel.