Iran’s senior security official Ali Larijani announced that a temporary leadership council will be formed in accordance with the constitution following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in air strikes carried out by the United States and Israel. The move is aimed at ensuring continuity of governance during a period of intense national crisis and regional escalation. Larijani accused Washington and Tel Aviv of attempting to destabilise and fragment Iran, warning that “the people of Iran will not allow division of their country.” Tehran has described the strikes as unprovoked and illegal under international law. In response, Iran launched missiles targeting Israel and several other countries across the region, including Gulf states that host U.S. military bases. The retaliatory attacks mark a dramatic widening of the conflict and have heightened fears of a broader Middle East war.