Who is Alireza Arafi, the ‘seasoned cleric’ now tasked with temporarily leading Iran?

His previous roles include time as a member of the influential Guardian Council, the body responsible for vetting electoral candidates and reviewing legislation passed by parliament.

He also runs Iran’s seminary system.

Although well established religiously, it is not widely regarded as a major political force and is not known for having strong ties to the security establishment.

Why is the position of Supreme Leader important?

In the Iranian theocracy, the supreme leader wields immense and far-reaching powers, with the final say on all matters of state.

The Supreme Leader is the commander-in-chief of the country’s army, in addition to having the powerful Revolutionary Guard as part of his circle of influence. The Guard, a paramilitary force that the United States designated a terrorist organization in 2019, had gained power under Khamenei. That armed unit leads the “Axis of Resistance,” a series of militant groups and allies throughout West Asia that act as a counterweight to the United States and Israel and have extensive wealth and property in Iran.

Only 2 Supreme Leaders so far

Until now, Iran has only seen Supreme Leaders. One of them was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The other was Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who died at the age of 86. Khomenei was the figurehead of the Iranian Revolution and had led the country during its eight-year war with Iraq.

In Iran, the Leadership Council takes shape

Iranian law requires that the Assembly of Experts, a clerical panel, “must, as soon as possible” elect a new supreme leader. But the process is complicated. Until a final name is revealed, a council will step in and “temporarily assume all leadership duties.”

With the announcement of Ayatollah Arafi’s name, this council now has three members, including the incumbent president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, and the head of the country’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.

How is Iran’s supreme leader chosen?

The Assembly of Experts, composed of 88 members, appoints the supreme leader. He also has the power to eliminate one, although that has never happened.

Supreme Leader of Iran: Eligibility Criteria

The Supreme Leader must be a high-ranking Shiite cleric and scholar. The Assembly of Experts, charged with electing the Supreme Leader, is a panel made up exclusively of Shia clerics popularly elected every eight years.

Their candidacies are approved by the Guardian Council, Iran’s constitutional oversight body, of which Ayatollah Arafi is a member.