srael has targeted the headquarters of Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for choosing the next Supreme Leader following Ali Khamenei’s death. The 88-member clerical assembly convenes to select a successor based on Islamic jurisprudence, political insight, and administrative ability.

Interim powers are currently held by a three-person leadership council including the President Masoud Pezeshkian, judiciary head Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and Guardian Council cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, until the Assembly formally elects the new leader.

Candidates for Supreme Leader must be male Shiite clerics vetted by the 12-member Guardian Council, evaluated on piety, courage, and leadership qualities. The Assembly votes internally, with the winner serving for life unless removed for incapacity or other reasons.

Top contenders are believed to be Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, or interim council member Ayatollah Alireza Arafi. The Assembly is constitutionally required to meet “as soon as possible” to name the next Supreme Leader.