Trade Point Downup

Iran Just Activated Article 111 — And Everything Changed
For the first time in 36 years, Iran is facing a leadership transition at the very top.
Under Article 111 of its constitution, a temporary leadership structure has been activated — and a new name has stepped into the spotlight:
Ayatollah Alireza Arafi.
He’s 67 years old. Until now, most people outside Iran had never even heard of him.
But inside the country’s power circles? He has been building influence for decades.
A Leadership Council — Not a Single Ruler
Iran hasn’t handed power to one man outright.
Instead, a three-person leadership council is now overseeing the country:
Arafi
President Masoud Pezeshkian
Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i
Together, they are temporarily dividing the powers once held by Ayatollah Khamenei — until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent Supreme Leader.
Still, one name stands above the rest.
Arafi.
From Small-Town Roots to the Center of Power
Born in 1959 in Meybod, Arafi’s path was shaped early.
His father was reportedly close to Ayatollah Khomeini. At just 11 years old, Arafi was sent to Qom for religious training — the heart of Iran’s clerical establishment.
By 33, he was appointed Friday prayer leader by Khamenei himself — a role that signals deep trust within the regime.
That kind of appointment doesn’t happen by accident.
The Quiet Power Player
Over the years, Arafi didn’t seek headlines. He built influence.
He simultaneously held three of the most powerful positions in Iran:
Director of the country’s entire seminary system
Member of the Guardian Council (which vets every law and election candidate)
Member of the Assembly of Experts (the body that selects the Supreme Leader)
Think about that.
The man now temporarily holding supreme authority was already part of the committee that chooses the Supreme Leader.
What Makes Him Different?
Unlike many clerics in the system, Arafi speaks fluent English and Arabic.
In 2022, he met Pope Francis at the Vatican — signaling a more globally aware presence.
He has publicly pushed for using artificial intelligence to expand Iran’s ideological messaging worldwide.
Reuters has described him as a “completely trusted loyalist.”
The IRGC reportedly sees him as steady, reliable, and safe.
For years, analysts quietly placed him on shortlists to replace Khamenei.
Now, he’s effectively in that role — at least for now.
The Big Question
Will the Assembly of Experts make his leadership permanent?
Or will another power figure emerge?
Iran is entering a moment that could redefine its future — politically, regionally, and globally.
And the world is watching.
Now Trade.

イラン、最高指導者アヤトラ・アリ・ハメネイの死を確認
グローバル政治における劇的かつ前例のない展開の中で、イランの最高指導者アヤトラ・アリ・ハメネイが亡くなったと、複数の信頼できるニュース機関およびイラン当局の声明によると確認されました。�
ガルフニュース +1
何が起こったのか — 公式確認
2026年3月1日、イランの国営メディアは、1989年から国の最高指導者であったアヤトラ・アリ・ハメネイが亡くなったと宣言する発表を放送しました。国営テレビは、40日間の公的喪に服す期間と追加の国民休日の日数を宣言しました。�