Iran’s supreme leader Khamenei killed. What comes next is unclear and not easy

Massive Protests Erupt Across Kashmir After Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei

Muslim protesters shout slogans while holding placards and portraits of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a demonstration in Kashmir. Thousands of protesters took to the streets across parts of Kashmir following reports of the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Source: SIPA USA / Credits : Idrees Abbas/Idrees Abbas / SOPA Images/Sipa USA/AAP

Since the 1979 overthrow of the Shah of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran has remained a longstanding geopolitical challenge for the United States. The recent killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been viewed by some as a chance to topple the ruling ayatollahs. Yet experts warn that replacing Iran’s leadership is far more complicated than it may seem.

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Published 2 March 2026 3:32pm

Updated 2 March 2026 3:43pm

By Sunil Awasthi

Presented by Natasha Kaul

Source: SBS

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Since the 1979 overthrow of the Shah of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran has remained a longstanding geopolitical challenge for the United States. The recent killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been viewed by some as a chance to topple the ruling ayatollahs. Yet experts warn that replacing Iran’s leadership is far more complicated than it may seem.

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