The remaining command structure of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is moving to install a new supreme leader outside constitutional procedures, according to Iran International, a London-based Persian-language outlet.
The IRGC is reportedly seeking to finalize the decision within hours — by dawn Sunday — citing anonymous sources. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed Saturday in the opening phase of the U.S.-Israeli operation, a claim confirmed by Donald Trump.
Sources said that ongoing airstrikes make it impractical to convene the Assembly of Experts, the body legally responsible for selecting a supreme leader. As a result, the IRGC is pressing for an appointment outside established legal channels.
Iran International also reported growing disarray within Iran’s security and military structures following Khamenei’s death. Parts of the command chain have reportedly broken down, disrupting order transmission and operational coordination — a development that could further complicate crisis management in the coming days.
Some commanders and lower-ranking personnel are said to be avoiding their bases due to fears of continued airstrikes and the possibility that command and support facilities will be targeted.
Trump appeared to echo these assessments in a Truth Social post, writing that many members of Iran’s military and security forces “no longer want to fight” and are seeking immunity. He added that he hopes they will merge peacefully with “Iranian patriots” to rebuild the country.
The IRGC is also reportedly worried that once daylight breaks, large numbers of citizens could flood the streets, potentially sparking a new wave of protests.
Videos circulating on social media Saturday appeared to show Iranians celebrating near the area of Khamenei’s palace complex in central Tehran, according to The Times of Israel. The footage has not been independently verified.
Additional clips from inside Iran showed students laughing and cheering, with one teenager saying in English, “I love Trump.” Other videos from Tehran appeared to show people dancing in the streets as they celebrated the strikes.
