Regional
Iran to form interim leadership council as officials vow retaliation after Ayatollah’s death
Under Iran’s constitution, a temporary leadership structure can be formed in the event of a supreme leader’s death until a permanent successor is appointed by the Assembly of Experts.
Iran will establish an Interim Leadership Council on Sunday to manage state affairs following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, senior officials announced, as the country braces for further confrontation after days of intense military escalation with the United States and Israel.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said preparations for the new governing body were finalized during a high-level meeting on Saturday. He described the move as necessary to ensure political stability and continuity of command during what he called a “critical and historic period.”
Under Iran’s constitution, a temporary leadership structure can be formed in the event of a supreme leader’s death until a permanent successor is appointed by the Assembly of Experts. The creation of the council signals Tehran’s effort to project institutional control amid heightened uncertainty and internal and external pressures.
“We Will Respond”
Larijani issued a stern warning to what he described as Iran’s “aggressive enemies,” vowing decisive retaliation.
“You have burned the hearts of the Iranian people; we will burn your hearts,” he said, referring to the recent strikes that Iranian authorities say killed dozens, including civilians.
According to Larijani, Tehran had previously warned Washington — through diplomatic channels via the Swiss embassy, which represents U.S. interests in Iran — that any direct military action would result in American bases in the region becoming targets.
He said Iran’s armed forces have mobilized significant resources to sustain operations, while acknowledging that the coming days could bring both “challenges and progress.”
Parliament: “Red Line Crossed”
Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said the United States and Israel had “crossed a red line” with their strikes and would face consequences.
He described the current confrontation as existential for Iran and a decisive moment in its decades-long standoff with its adversaries. “They will be held accountable,” he said, warning that retaliation would be severe.
High-Stakes Transition
The announcement of an Interim Leadership Council comes at a volatile moment. Joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting senior Iranian officials and military infrastructure have triggered missile exchanges across the region, disrupted air travel, and prompted emergency sessions at the United Nations.
Analysts say the leadership transition will be closely watched both inside and outside Iran. Domestically, authorities are seeking to maintain unity and prevent unrest. Internationally, governments are assessing whether the interim structure will pursue escalation or leave room for diplomacy.
For now, Iranian officials are signaling resolve rather than restraint, raising concerns that the conflict could widen before any political settlement is reached.
Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new leader, said on Thursday that Iran’s neighbors must close all U.S. bases on their territory, as Tehran will continue its attacks against them.
In his first statement, broadcast and read out by state television, Khamenei told the Iranian people: “I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs.”
He added: “The popular demand is to continue our effective defence and make the enemy regret! The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.”
However, state television did not explain why Khamenei’s first remarks were read by a presenter rather than delivered in a video.
No images of him have yet been released since the strike that killed his father, Ali Khamenei.
In these remarks, Mojtaba Khamenei also confirmed that his wife, sister, and other family members were killed.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says up to 3.2 million people have been displaced inside Iran since the conflict that erupted on February 28, warning that the humanitarian situation is rapidly worsening.
In a statement released Thursday, the UN refugee agency said the figure is based on preliminary assessments of uprooted households and could rise further if hostilities continue.
“This number is likely to increase as fighting persists, signaling a troubling escalation in humanitarian needs,” UNHCR said.
The agency noted that many of the displaced have fled their homes in search of safety, often moving to nearby provinces or staying with relatives and host communities. Others have sought temporary shelter in public buildings and informal settlements, placing additional pressure on local resources.
Humanitarian organizations say the sudden movement of millions of people is creating urgent needs for shelter, food, medical care and basic services. Aid agencies are working with local authorities to assess conditions and deliver assistance to affected communities.
The displacement crisis comes amid broader regional instability that has raised concerns among international organizations about the potential for further population movements both inside Iran and across borders.
UNHCR said it is continuing to monitor developments closely and is coordinating with humanitarian partners to scale up assistance as the situation evolves.
Regional
Trump on Iran: We won, but don’t want to leave early
Trump has seesawed on Iran, crediting the U.S. military for significantly degrading Iran’s military but resisting a speedy end to the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that “we won” the Iran war but that the United States will stay in the fight to finish the job.
“You never like to say too early you won. We won,” Trump told a campaign-style rally in Hebron, Kentucky. “In the first hour it was over.”
He said the United States had knocked out 58 Iranian naval ships.
Trump has seesawed on Iran, crediting the U.S. military for significantly degrading Iran’s military but resisting a speedy end to the conflict.
“We don’t want to leave early do we?” Trump said. “We got to finish the job.”
He said the United States has “virtually destroyed Iran.” He seemed to signal that the United States would continue the fight for now.
“We don’t want to go back every two years,” he said.
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