NEW YORK (VINnews) The Iranian opposition newspaper Iran International reported on Sunday that the Revolutionary Guards are attempting to determine the identity of the next leader of the Islamic Republic as quickly as possible. According to the report, the decision will be finalized in the coming hours, and an announcement is expected to be made during the morning.

According to the newspaper, due to the inability to convene the “Assembly of Experts” (the body responsible for selecting the Supreme Leader) while the airstrikes continue, the Revolutionary Guards are interested in having the appointment of the next leader carried out outside the procedures established by law. Additional reports also indicate that following the assassination of Ali Khamenei, confusion within the security and military structure of the Islamic Republic has intensified.

In addition, there is serious concern within the Revolutionary Guards that once the weather clears on Sunday, citizens in various parts of the country will take to the streets, leading to a wave of rallies and protests.

Early on Sunday, Iran appointed Ahmad Vahidi, a former defense and interior minister, as the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to a state media report.

Vahidi is under US sanctions for his role in Iran’s suppression of protests, including the use of lethal force by security services during the 2022 nationwide protests.

The announcement followed the Saturday killing of several senior Iranian military commanders, including Mohammad Pakpour, the previous head of the Guards.