US and Israeli Airstrikes Target Iran's Assembly of Experts Building

On Tuesday, March 3, airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States targeted a structure utilized by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, the governing body tasked with appointing the supreme leader. Iranian news sources reported the incident.

This incident comes shortly after the assassination of Ali Khamenei, the former supreme leader, in a series of US-Israeli military operations on Saturday, February 28. The Tasnim news agency reported that "American-Zionist criminals attacked the Assembly of Experts building located in Qom," south of Tehran.

Constitutionally, the Assembly of Experts holds the authority to appoint, oversee, and if necessary, dismiss the supreme leader of Iran. Local media shared footage revealing significant damage to the Qom building as a result of the strikes. No immediate casualties have been reported.

According to Mehr news agency, the targeted building had ceased being used for official gatherings. Additionally, Tasnim reported that an earlier assault had aimed at the Assembly of Experts' main office in Tehran on Monday, March 2.

In a formal announcement on March 1, Iran revealed it had initiated a transition process following Khamenei’s death. The transition will establish an interim leadership council made up of the president, the judiciary chief, and a jurist from the influential Guardian Council, which plays a crucial role in legislative oversight and candidate vetting.

Ali Larijani, Iran's top security official, is set to be a key player in steering the transition. During this interim period, the council will manage governance while the Assembly of Experts works on appointing a permanent successor to the supreme leader, amidst rising military confrontations.