Khamenei martyrdom narrative smooths path for son’s rise
Regime invokes religious history to galvanise support from Shia groups after the ayatollah’s assassination
Regime invokes religious history to galvanise support from Shia groups after the ayatollah’s assassination

Selection of slain ayatollah’s son is seen as act of defiance against war launched by US and Israel

Regime loyalists promote idea of succession after killing of Ayatollah by Israel and US

Iran’s new supreme leader has been shaped by decades-long ties with the powerful and hardline Revolutionary Guards

Hardline cleric who led Islamic Republic since 1989 projected power across the region and suppressed protests at home

US-Israeli assassinations have left a regime that looks more hawkish at home and abroad

State television confirms supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed