Morning Wire Iran Without Khamenei: What Comes Next?
23 snips
Mar 8, 2026 They discuss the fallout from the supreme leader's death and the sudden power vacuum in Tehran. The conversation covers who might seize control and which institutions now call the shots. They also walk through the late leader's rise, his methods of repression, and the regime's impact on women and society.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Popular Jubilation After Khamenei's Death
- Iranians largely responded with jubilation to Khamenei's death after recent brutal crackdowns.
- January protests killed 30,000–40,000 amid internet blackouts and chants of "death to Khamenei," signaling open, unfiltered public anger.
Khamenei Was A Promoted Midlevel Cleric
- Khamenei rose to supreme leader despite limited religious credentials and was installed amid elite infighting after Khomeini's death.
- He was a mid-level cleric elevated into the role and then consolidated security and military power over 36 years.
Exporting Revolution Defined Foreign Policy
- Khamenei's foreign policy centered on exporting the revolution via terrorism, missiles, and hostility to the U.S. and Israel.
- Even during U.S. unipolarity he pursued destabilizing programs and a sustained 'death to America/Israel' posture.