Consider This from NPR Who will be Iran's next leader?
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Mar 3, 2026 Mirzad Borugherdi, a scholar of Iran’s ruling class and co-author of a political handbook, breaks down succession in Tehran. He maps the Assembly of Experts' role. He details the Revolutionary Guard's power and veto potential. He names top contenders and explains why a sudden collapse of the regime is unlikely.
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Tehran Resident Celebrates Khamenei's Death
- A Tehran resident named Shadi screamed from her window celebrating the death of Ayatollah Khamenei during recent airstrikes.
- Shadi asked to withhold her full name fearing arrest, showing immediate private elation amid public danger.
Iran Is A Resilient Ideological System
- Ray Takey framed Iran as an ideological, multi-layered system rather than a personalized dictatorship, so removing one leader doesn't destroy the regime.
- Within 24 hours Iran's foreign ministry told NPR a new leader would be chosen, illustrating regime resilience.
Assembly Of Experts Faces Practical Crisis
- The constitution assigns the 88-member Assembly of Experts to approve a new supreme leader, but many members are elderly and Qom headquarters was reportedly hit.
- Mirzad Borugherdi questioned how the assembly can convene or whether Khamenei left a hidden recommendation.