Iran to form interim leadership council as officials vow retaliation after Ayatollah’s death

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.