Israel Strikes Iranian Clerics Gathering Amid Succession Concerns
Qom, Iran – An Israeli airstrike on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, targeted a building in the Iranian city of Qom where senior clerics were meeting to select a new supreme leader, following the death of Ali Khamenei on Saturday. The strike underscores heightened tensions and Israel’s assertive stance in the wake of Khamenei’s assassination.
Details of the Strike
The Israeli Air Force confirmed striking the building housing the Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for choosing the next supreme leader of the Islamic Republic. According to an Israeli defense source cited by The Times of Israel, the attack aimed to disrupt the selection process. Initial reports suggest the strike occurred while votes were being counted.
Iranian state news agency Tasnim reported the attack as being carried out by “American-Zionist criminals” and confirmed the target was the Assembly of Experts building in Qom, south of Tehran. Axios also reported on the strike, citing an Israeli defense official who stated the goal was to prevent the selection of a new supreme leader.
While the Assembly of Experts comprises 88 members, the exact number present at the time of the strike remains unclear. Iran International reports that some sources indicate only clerks counting votes were present, while Channel 12 news reported that none of the 88 members were in the building at the time of the strike. Footage from local media shows significant damage to the building, but there is currently no confirmed information regarding casualties.
Context: Succession Crisis and Recent Events
The attack follows the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in a joint operation by US and Israeli forces, as confirmed by US President Donald Trump. Yahoo News details these events. Iran’s constitution mandates the Assembly of Experts to appoint a new successor, throwing the country’s leadership into a state of uncertainty.
Regional Implications
The strikes have coincided with reports of explosions in Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, as reported by AFP journalists. These incidents suggest escalating tensions and potential retaliatory actions in the Persian Gulf following the attacks on Iran.
Assembly of Experts Role
The Assembly of Experts holds the crucial responsibility of appointing, supervising, and potentially dismissing the supreme leader, making it a central target in the current geopolitical landscape. The assembly hadn’t convened for this purpose in 36 years, highlighting the urgency and significance of the current situation.