Bezhakian: The Transitional Leadership Council after Khamenei "Has Started Its Work"

SadaNews - Iranian President, Masoud Bezhakian, announced today, Sunday, that the Transitional Leadership Council, established after the assassination of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has begun its work.

He added in a televised address, "The Transitional Leadership Council has started its work... and we will continue with all our strength the path set by Imam Khomeini."

He emphasized that the Iranian armed forces "will crush the enemy's bases with force."

Iran has appointed Ayatollah Ali Reza A'arifi as a member of the temporary leadership council that will manage the country after the killing of the Supreme Leader, Khamenei.

The spokesperson for the Expediency Council, Mohsen Dehnavi, stated: "The Expediency Council has elected Ayatollah Ali Reza A'arifi as a member of the temporary leadership council."

It is worth noting that A'arifi is originally a member of the Assembly of Experts and the Guardian Council.

The temporary council, which also includes the President and the Chief Justice, will manage the country until "the Assembly of Experts elects a permanent leader as soon as possible."

Earlier on Sunday, the Iranian president stated that the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is considered "a declaration of war on Muslims," promising retaliation and revenge.

He added, "The assassination of the highest political authority in the Islamic Republic of Iran and a prominent leader of Shia around the world is a clear declaration of war against Muslims, especially Shia, worldwide."

The Iranian president stressed that "revenge on the perpetrators of this historical crime and its planners is a religious duty and a legitimate right," according to his statement.

For his part, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Larijani, threatened the United States and Israel with hits "they have never seen before," following the assassination of Khamenei.

Larijani stated in a post on the "X" platform that "Iran launched missiles yesterday at the United States and Israel, causing damage," adding: "Today we will strike them with a force they have never witnessed before," according to his expression.