Iran In Survival Mode As Power Struggle Deepens After Khamenei’s Death In US‑Israel Strikes

Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 09:40 IST

Iran War: Despite the death of its leader, Iran’s governing system remains intact. The military and the IRGC remain united and in control of the country’s security apparatus.

Iran war updates: Days before the Iran Supreme Leader’s killing, an unusual moment unfolded on Iranian state television when a reporter mistakenly said “death to Khamenei" during a live broadcast instead of “death to America". The journalist lost his job, but the incident reflected growing hostility towards Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after nearly four decades of rule, reports Bloomberg.

Khamenei, 86, was killed in US and Israeli airstrikes on Saturday. Satellite images later showed his secure compound in central Tehran reduced to rubble. Four members of his family, including his daughter and a grandchild, were also killed.

Islamic Republic continues to function

Despite the death of its leader, Iran’s governing system remains intact. The conventional military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remain united and in control of the country’s security apparatus.

Security has been tightened across cities, with reports of armed police and paramilitary forces on Tehran’s streets. While some social media videos showed celebrations, there has been no organised attempt to overthrow the government despite calls from US President Donald Trump.

Analysts say ordinary Iranians are more focused on safety than protests, especially as fighting continues.

No organised opposition

Iran’s constitution does not allow political factions that reject the Islamic Republic. Reformists challenging the system have often faced imprisonment. Human rights groups estimate more than 7,000 people were killed during protests earlier this year.

Opposition movements are largely led by Iranians abroad. Former crown prince Reza Pahlavi has gained attention during protests but remains a divisive figure and lacks clear international backing.

Interim leadership and succession

In the short term, Iran will be governed according to constitutional procedures. A council made up of the heads of the judiciary, legislature and executive will carry out leadership duties while the Assembly of Experts selects a successor.

Speculation has focused on Khamenei’s son Mojtaba as a possible successor. Analysts say the quick announcement of Khamenei’s death may indicate succession planning is already underway.

Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has emerged as a prominent figure, while a council including President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior cleric Ayatollah Alireza Arafi is expected to oversee leadership responsibilities temporarily.

Rising influence of the IRGC

With Khamenei gone, the IRGC is expected to gain greater power. The organisation has expanded its political and economic influence over the past two decades.

Senior figures including parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaee are playing central roles in Iran’s response to the strikes.

Khamenei ruled Iran for most of the Islamic Republic’s existence following the 1979 revolution. His policies emphasised Islamic values and resistance to Western influence, often sidelining reformist movements.

Major protests, including the 2009 Green Movement, were suppressed forcefully, deepening divisions within Iranian society. Economic hardship and sanctions further fuelled dissatisfaction among the urban middle class.

Regional strategy and declining influence

Under Khamenei, Iran expanded its regional influence through alliances with armed groups across the Middle East. However, recent conflicts weakened this strategy after heavy Israeli military actions against allied groups.

The June attacks exposed Iran’s military vulnerabilities and accelerated the crisis that culminated in his assassination.

International reaction

Khamenei’s death divided global opinion. Russian President Vladimir Putin praised him as an “outstanding statesman", while China condemned the assassination as unacceptable.

His absence also raises uncertainty over Iran’s nuclear policy. Khamenei had issued a religious ruling against nuclear weapons, but some officials have suggested Iran could reconsider its doctrine if threatened.

Uncertain future

Iran has survived decades of sanctions, war and international isolation. Experts say the Islamic Republic is likely to endure in the short term, though its internal and foreign policies may change.

Khamenei himself once admitted doubts about his qualifications when he became Supreme Leader in 1989. After nearly 40 years in power, the question of leadership – long debated by Iranians – has now returned with urgency as the country faces war and transition.

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