The remaining command structure of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is pushing to appoint a new supreme leader outside legal procedures, Iran International, a Persian-language media outlet based in London, reported Sunday.
The IRGC is seeking to finalize the decision within hours, specifically by dawn Sunday, the outlet reported, citing sources who spoke on condition of anonymity. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed Saturday during the opening salvo of a joint Israeli-U.S. military operation, President Donald Trump confirmed.
The sources said that, with airstrikes ongoing, it is not feasible to convene a session of the Assembly of Experts, the constitutional body responsible for selecting the supreme leader. As a result, the IRGC is pushing for the appointment of the next leader to take place outside the legally prescribed procedures.
Iran International also reported that following the killing of Khamenei, disarray and confusion intensified within the Islamic Republic's security and military structures. Parts of the chain of command were disrupted, hindering the transmission of orders and operational coordination. This could further complicate field decision-making and crisis management in the hours and days ahead.
The sources also said some military commanders and lower-ranking personnel have refrained from reporting to their bases and military centers. Their reluctance stems from concerns over continued airstrikes and the risk of command and support facilities being targeted. Trump appeared to echo the report in a Truth Social post announcing Khamenei's death.
"We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us," Trump wrote. "As I said last night, 'Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!' Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves."
The IRGC is also concerned that once daylight breaks Sunday, people across the country could take to the streets, potentially triggering a new wave of protests, according to Iran International.
A video circulating on social media Saturday appeared to show Iranians celebrating as smoke rose from the area surrounding Khamenei's palace complex in central Tehran, The Times of Israel reported. The footage could not be independently verified.
A video from a high school showed students laughing and celebrating, with one saying in English: "I love Trump." In Tehran, another video appeared to show people dancing in the streets as they celebrated the strikes.
Michael Katz ✉
Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with more than 30 years of experience reporting and editing on news, culture, and politics.
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