Iranian authorities on Sunday announced that the country will be governed by a temporary leadership council—comprising President Massoud Pezeshkian, the head of the judiciary, and a jurist from the powerful Guardian Council—to manage the transition following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to the Iranian constitution, the Assembly of Leadership Experts is tasked with appointing Khamenei’s successor as soon as possible. However, the ongoing war between Israel and Iran has made it too risky for the authorities to assemble and name a successor due to security concerns.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who had ruled the country with an iron fist since 1989, was killed in the operation, state media confirmed.
As the war continues with Israel launching fresh strikes on more than 30 locations inside Iran, the Chinese government has issued a statement calling for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire to avoid broader regional complications.
On Sunday, China’s Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the US-Israeli strikes against Iran and urged all sides to implement a ceasefire, avoid further escalation, and resume dialogue.
The ministry reiterated that Iran’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity must be respected.
At the same time, the Chinese embassy in Israel issued a notice advising its citizens to leave Israel immediately or move to safer locations to avoid being caught in the unfolding chaos caused by the conflict.
On Saturday, the United States, in a joint operation with Israel, launched what they described as preventive strikes on Iran, targeting Tehran, Isfahan, and other key locations.
According to Iranian authorities, the attacks have led to the deaths of more than 250 people, including 85 children from an elementary girls’ school that was also struck by Israeli and US forces.
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