Iran Appoints Ayatollah Arafi Interim Leader After Khamenei's Death

Following the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei, who was killed in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike on Saturday, Iran has appointed Ayatollah Arafi as the interim leader. Khamenei, aged 86, was confirmed dead by Iranian state media, which reported that he attained martyrdom alongside his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.

The country has announced a 40-day mourning period in honor of the late leader. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for launching four ballistic missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln in retaliation for the airstrike.

This incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States, with the IRGC's actions being part of a broader response involving regional allies such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.