OfficialDiplomacy & politicsBackgroundTehran, Iran

Interim council of Pezeshkian, Mohseni-Ejei and Arafi takes over Iran's leadership

Mountain Time: 8:14 PM MT, Saturday, February 28, 2026
Local time: 6:44 AM in Tehran, Mar 1
Where: Tehran, Iran

Under Iran's constitution, a council of President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei and a Guardian Council jurist took over the supreme leader's duties; security chief Ali Larijani said it would be formed Sunday, and state media named cleric Alireza Arafi as the third member. The Assembly of Experts must choose a new leader "as soon as possible."

Why it matters

The council kept a constitutional chain of command in place under bombardment, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a new supreme leader could be chosen "in a day or two."

Sources (4)

Associated Pressapnews.comPublished Feb 28, 2026, 8:14 PM MT
Al Jazeeraaljazeera.comPublished Feb 28, 2026, 11:20 PM MT
CBS Newscbsnews.comPublished Mar 1, 2026, 3:16 AM MT
Al Jazeera (2)aljazeera.comPublished Mar 1, 2026, 7:06 AM MT

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