President Pezeshkian of Iran Vows "Full National Mobilization for Retaliation"… Iran Implements "Three-Member System" [US-Iran War]

On March 1 (local time), President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran issued a eulogy following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning of strong retaliation against the United States and Israel.

President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran. Photo by AP Yonhap News.

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In the eulogy released that day, President Pezeshkian stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran considers it both a duty and a legitimate right to avenge and punish the perpetrators and masterminds behind this historic crime." He added, "We will mobilize all national capabilities to fulfill this great responsibility and duty," making it clear that Iran would maintain a hardline foreign policy even after Khamenei's passing.

This eulogy was delayed until late in the day, amid a series of statements from Iranian government and military officials following Khamenei's death, which led to speculation about President Pezeshkian's safety. Earlier, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that both Khamenei and President Pezeshkian were targets of the airstrike.

In response, Mohammad Mahdi Tabatabaei, Deputy Director of Presidential Communications, told IRNA news agency that "President Pezeshkian's health and safety are in perfect condition," dismissing concerns. While President Pezeshkian had not appeared on state media since the start of the airstrike the previous day-raising questions-his eulogy announcement confirmed his well-being.

Under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, President Pezeshkian will serve as a core member of the "Interim Leadership Council," which acts on behalf of the Supreme Leader in the event of a vacancy, playing a key role in the transitional administration. The three-member council consists of President Pezeshkian, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, the head of the judiciary, and one Islamic law expert from the Guardian Council, and will temporarily carry out the duties and authority of Khamenei until a new Supreme Leader is elected.

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