Iran's New Supreme Leader: Top Contenders & Impact

0:00Today is March 2nd. Here's what's making headlines worldwide. Iran's leaders are rushing to pick a new supreme leader after Ayatollah Ali Kaminay was killed in a surprise U.S. and Israeli attack. He had ruled for 37 years, and this is only the second time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution that they're choosing, A, successor. A provisional council is stepping in right now, made up of President Masood Pizeshkian, hard-lined judiciary chief, Golem Hossain, Mousseni Ejay, and senior cleric Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi. Foreign Minister Abbas Arakchi said Sunday that they expect to name the new leader early this week. The supreme leader holds ultimate power over big decisions like war, peace, and Iran's nuclear program. An 88-member assembly of experts, all Shiite clerics, will make the appointment after vetting by the Guardian Council. Top contenders include Kaminay's son, Mojtaba, a mid-level cleric, with ties to the Revolutionary Guard, Arafi, who's already on the council and runs.

1:05Seminaries, former President Hassan Rahani, a moderate who negotiated the past nuclear deal, grandson of the Republic's founder, Hassan Khomeini, and hard-liner. Ayatollah Mohamed Medi Murbigheri. Kaminay influenced both key clerical bodies heavily, so the next leader probably won't bring big changes. Meanwhile, the country faces its worst crisis in decades as the process unfolds. This story is made possible by our sponsor. What is cooler than cool? A pillow that plays your sound. S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com