Iran has begun a formal transition, following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in American-Israeli strikes. Under the country's constitution, an interim leadership council is now in place, but this death strips the Islamic Republic of the figure who stood at the apex of power for 36 years. As some Iranians celebrate and others mourn, attention turns to whether the system Khamenei led can continue to function – and whether change will be driven from inside the country.
Khamenei, 86, had held power since 1989 and left no officially designated heir. The government announced 40 days of national mourning following his death on Saturday.
