Officials said Vahidi previously served as deputy chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces and is known as a close associate of the late leadership.

No further details were released following the announcement.

Separately, Iranian media reported that Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi has been appointed as a member of the Leadership Council.

The council has been formed to temporarily carry out the duties of the Supreme Leader.

According to reports, the three-member interim council also includes the Iranian president and the head of the judiciary.

The body will perform the Supreme Leader’s responsibilities until the Assembly of Experts elects a new leader.

Iranian media said the process follows provisions under Article 111 of the Iranian Constitution, which outlines procedures in the event of the death, resignation, or removal of the Supreme Leader.

The Assembly of Experts is required to select a new leader, though no fixed deadline has been set.

If the required majority is not reached, constitutional provisions allow for a transitional mechanism to assume responsibilities temporarily.