State news agency IRNA confirmed that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, head of the judiciary and a key member of the Constitutional Guardian Council, has officially taken over the power to run the country.
The decision to establish this "triumph council" was made immediately after the information that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei passed away after a long-range missile attack on the morning of February 28 was officially announced.
According to the constitution of the Islamic Republic, in case the Supreme Leader dies or is unable to operate, an interim council will be established to ensure that the state apparatus does not fall into a state of paralysis.
The appearance of President Masoud Pezeshkian in this council is considered a key factor in maintaining Iran's minimal administrative and diplomatic activities in the context of escalating Gulf conflict.
Together with Mr. Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary and a representative from the Constitutional Guardian Council will form a "bicycle leg" of power. The Guardian Council is inherently the agency with supreme power in supervising laws and approving political candidates, so their presence in the temporary leadership group is a guarantee of the legitimacy of the new government.
Currently, the Iranian side has not yet announced the specific deadline for this transition period as well as the detailed scope of powers of the members of the council. However, the most urgent task of this power trio is to stabilize the national security situation after the heavy losses from the airstrikes of the US-Israel coalition.
Reports from Iran show that the senior leadership of national intelligence and security agencies has suffered serious losses. Therefore, the interim leadership is facing enormous pressure in rebuilding the defense system and preparing for the process of electing a formal successor to the position of Supreme Leader.
While the interim council began its first emergency sessions, European powers quickly sent a message urging Tehran to restrain military retaliation.
Observers believe that the selection of these 3 figures shows that Iran is trying to send a signal of stability and compliance with the constitution, although in reality power is being shaken violently after the death of Mr. Khamenei.
