Conservative commentator warns against rush to announce new leader

An Iranian conservative political activist has questioned the push to quickly select a new supreme leader, arguing that such a move could deepen divisions at a time when the country faces external military pressure.

Mohammad Mohajeri, writing on Wednesday, said Iran’s leadership institution should remain a symbol of national unity and warned that any decision that weakens the interim leadership council established under Article 111 of the constitution could undermine stability.

He said the country’s immediate priority should be defending Iran amid attacks by the United States and Israel, adding that political disputes over selecting a new leader should be avoided during the current crisis.