The Take Who’s in charge in Iran after leadership strikes?
Apr 1, 2026
Ali Hashem, Senior Al Jazeera correspondent in Tehran, gives on-the-ground context about Iran’s leadership after deadly strikes. He describes how daily life has shifted and why the system is more compartmentalized than centered on one strongman. He profiles figures like Abbas Araqchi, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Mujtaba Khamenei and flags who might be at risk next.
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Iran's Existential Moment After Leadership Strikes
- Tehran feels different and existential amid strikes, with daily life and streets reflecting national uncertainty.
- Ali Hashem describes Iran's geopolitical weight stretching from China and Russia to the Middle East, amplifying the conflict's regional impact.
Abbas Araqchi's Quiet Diplomatic Influence
- Abbas Araqchi is a seasoned diplomat who blends Western negotiating savvy with deep Iranian roots from a Bazaari background.
- Ali Hashem credits Araqchi with playing a major role in the 2013–2015 nuclear talks alongside Zarif and Salehi.
Reporting Through Gunfire In Tehran
- Live reporting in Tehran includes hearing bullets and air defenses during interviews, normalizing daily violence for journalists.
- Ali Hashem recounts hearing bullets mid-conversation and describes going to a coffee shop afterward to relax before sleeping.