Iran’s interim leadership council has appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi as the clerical member of the body currently exercising the powers of the late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Arafi assumed the role on 1 March 2026, under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, which establishes a temporary leadership framework until the Assembly of Experts selects a new Supreme Leader.
Article 111 mandates that in the event of a Supreme Leader’s de@th or incapacitation, a temporary council assumes the responsibilities of the office until a permanent successor is chosen. With Khamenei’s passing, the interim council now oversees functions traditionally exercised by Iran’s highest political and religious authority.
Arafi’s appointment places him at the centre of a sensitive transition, as Iran navigates political uncertainty. A senior Shi’a cleric, he wields influence across major institutions, including the military, judiciary, and religious seminaries. Until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent leader, Arafi and other council members will collectively exercise the constitutional powers of the office.
Ten key facts about Ayatollah Alireza Arafi:
- Birth and Early Life: Born in 1959 in Meybod, Yazd Province, Arafi rose through Iran’s clerical ranks over several decades.
- Religious Affiliation: Practices Islam, follows Twelver Shi’a denomination, adheres to Ja‘fari jurisprudence, and upholds the Usuli creed.
- Education in Qom: Completed primary education and early seminary courses in Qom, learning Arabic, English, mathematics, and philosophy. Qom is Iran’s religious capital and a major Shi’a scholarly centre.
- Scholarly Achievements: Attained the rank of mujtahid for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and philosophy; authored numerous works, including Education Jurisprudence (Al‑Fiqh Al‑Tarbawi), and articles on Islamic law, education, and social issues.
- Academic Leadership: Served as President of Al-Mustafa International University (2008–2018), training clerics and religious scholars from Iran and abroad.
- Friday Prayer Imam: Has led Friday prayers in Qom since 2015.
- Seminary Oversight: Since 2016, heads Iran’s nationwide seminary system, overseeing religious education across the country.
- Religious Title: Holds the title of Ayatollah, reserved for high-level Shi’a clerics with advanced theological scholarship.
- Guardian Council Membership: Member since 2019; the council vets legislation and supervises elections in Iran.
- Assembly of Experts: Member since 2022, a clerical body constitutionally mandated to appoint and oversee the Supreme Leader.
Arafi’s extensive religious, academic, and political roles place him at the forefront of Iran’s transitional leadership, guiding the country until a permanent Supreme Leader is selected.