TEHRAN – The passing of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who guided the Islamic Republic for more than three decades, marked a solemn moment in Iran’s contemporary history. His leadership shaped the country’s political and religious direction with continuity and steadiness. With his departure, the constitutional process for choosing a new Leader was activated, ensuring that the nation remains stable and governed according to the principles set out in the Constitution.

Many people now seek to understand how this transition unfolds, who is responsible for selecting the next Leader, and what mechanisms protect the country during this sensitive period. The following ten questions offer a clear and explanation of the constitutional process.

1. What does the Constitution require immediately after the Leader passes away? 

Article 111 of the Constitution states that the moment the position of Leader becomes vacant, the country must not remain without leadership. A temporary Leadership Council immediately assumes the duties of the Leader. This ensures that the essential functions of the state continue without interruption. The Constitution was designed to prevent any vacuum of authority, and this provision reflects the importance of maintaining order and continuity during a national transition.

2. Who serves on the temporary Leadership Council? 

The Constitution specifies that the interim council consists of three officials: the President of the Islamic Republic, the Head of the Judiciary, and a clerical member of the Guardian Council selected by the Expediency Council. These three figures collectively carry out the necessary responsibilities of the Leader until the Assembly of Experts elects a new one. Their role is temporary and focused on preserving stability, ensuring that the state continues to function smoothly during the transition.

3. What is the responsibility of the Assembly of Experts in this process? 

Article 107 gives the Assembly of Experts the exclusive authority to select the next Leader. This body, composed of 88 Islamic scholars elected by the people, evaluates qualified candidates and chooses the individual who best meets the constitutional criteria. The Assembly’s work is both religious and constitutional, and its members approach this responsibility with seriousness and full respect for the Constitution. Their decision determines the direction of the Islamic Republic for the years ahead.

4. What qualities must the new Leader possess?

Articles 5 and 109 outline the qualifications required for leadership. The Leader must have deep knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence, moral integrity, justice, political and social wisdom, and the ability to manage the affairs of the country. He must also enjoy the respect and confidence of the people and the religious community. If no single candidate fully meets all criteria, the Assembly may choose a jurist who possesses the essential qualities needed to guide the nation. These standards ensure that the Leader is both religiously knowledgeable and capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the position.

5. How does the Assembly of Experts evaluate potential candidates? The Assembly conducts its deliberations in private sessions. Members review scholarly credentials, examine reports from relevant institutions, consult senior clerics, and assess the political and social experience of each candidate. The process is confidential due to the sensitivity of the decision. The Assembly aims to reach a conclusion that reflects constitutional principles, national interests, and the long- term stability of the Islamic Republic.

6. Is there a specific time limit for choosing the new Leader?

The Constitution does not impose a fixed deadline. Article 111 simply states that the Assembly must act “as soon as possible.” This gives the Assembly flexibility to consider all relevant factors, including national security, public expectations, and the need for careful evaluation. While the process should not be rushed, it must also not be unnecessarily delayed. The goal is to balance urgency with responsibility, ensuring that the next Leader is chosen with full deliberation and constitutional care.

7. How does the Assembly of Experts make its final decision? 
Although the Constitution does not specify a voting threshold for selecting the Leader, it assigns this responsibility to the Assembly of Experts. Procedural matters, including voting rules and quorum, are determined by the Assembly’s own internal regulations. According to these rules, a candidate must receive a two thirds majority of the votes cast by the members present at the session; not all 88 members need to be physically present. Once this majority is secured, the Assembly formally elects and declares the new Leader of the Islamic Republic. This process ensures that the decision is made collectively by senior Islamic jurists entrusted with maintaining the continuity and stability of the country’s leadership. 

8. Can the Assembly choose a leadership council instead of a single Leader? 

Yes. Article 107 allows the Assembly to appoint either a single Leader or a Leadership Council if it determines that collective leadership is more appropriate. This option provides constitutional flexibility in extraordinary circumstances. However, since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has been led by a single Leader, which is the most stable and effective model. Still, the constitutional possibility of a council remains available if the Assembly deems it necessary.

9. What happens to the temporary Leadership Council once the new Leader is chosen? 

Once the Assembly of Experts elects the new Leader, the temporary council immediately dissolves. The newly chosen Leader assumes all constitutional powers, including the authority to appoint key officials such as the head of the judiciary, military commanders, and members of the Guardian Council. The transition is formalized through public announcements, and state institutions pledge allegiance to the new Leader in accordance with established tradition. This marks the completion of the constitutional process.

10. Why is this constitutional process important for Iran’s stability?

The constitutional framework ensures that leadership transitions occur in an orderly and legitimate manner. By assigning responsibility to the Assembly of Experts—an elected body of scholars—the Constitution balances religious authority with public participation. The temporary Leadership Council prevents any vacuum of power, while the Assembly’s deliberations ensure that the next Leader meets the standards required to guide the nation. This system reflects the structure envisioned by the founders of the Islamic Republic and continues to provide stability during moments of change.