DID Press: Iran’s Assembly of Experts announced in a statement that Ayatollah Sayed Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Full Statement of the Assembly of Experts on the Introduction of the New Leader
In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
The honorable and freedom-seeking people of Islamic Iran, peace and God’s blessings be upon you.
The Assembly of Experts for Leadership, while expressing condolences over the martyrdom of the great leader Ayatollah al-Uzma Imam Khamenei, as well as other respected martyrs — particularly the high-ranking commanders of the armed forces and the students of the Shajareh-Tayyebeh School in Minab County — and condemning the brutal aggression of the criminal United States and the malicious Zionist regime, hereby announces the following:
Immediately after the news of the martyrdom and passing of the wise leader of the Islamic Revolution was released, the Assembly of Experts, despite severe wartime conditions, direct threats from enemies against this public institution, and the bombing of the Assembly’s secretariat offices — which resulted in the martyrdom of several staff members and security personnel — did not pause for a moment in the process of selecting and introducing the leader of the Islamic system.
In accordance with the duties outlined in the Constitution and the internal regulations of the Assembly, necessary arrangements were made to hold an extraordinary session and appoint the new leader. Proper planning and coordination were carried out to gather representatives from across the country so that, despite the constitutional provision under Article 111 for forming a temporary leadership council, the country would not face a leadership vacuum.
While honoring the position of Velayat-e Faqih during the occultation of the Imam Mahdi and recognizing the importance of leadership in the Islamic Republic, the Assembly commemorates the 47 years of governance of the leaders of the Revolution based on the principles of dignity, independence, and strength.
After extensive and careful deliberations and utilizing the provisions of Article 108 of the Constitution, and in fulfillment of its religious duty and responsibility before God, the Assembly of Experts in today’s extraordinary session, by an overwhelming vote of its representatives, appointed and introduced Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the third leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
In conclusion, while expressing appreciation to the members of the temporary council formed under Article 111 of the Constitution, the Assembly calls upon the noble people of Iran — especially scholars and intellectuals of religious seminaries and universities — to pledge allegiance to the leadership and preserve national unity around the axis of guardianship.
The Assembly also prays for the continued grace and blessings of Almighty God upon this nation and its people.
Assembly of Experts of the Islamic Republic of Iran
March 8, 2026 (17 Esfand 1404)