Tehran, March 1 (NationPress) - In a significant announcement, Iran's security chief, Ali Larijani, revealed on Sunday that the transition process in the aftermath of the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is set to begin later today, as per reports from state media.

The nation's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, alongside Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i and a jurist from the Guardian Council—a crucial body that ensures legislative actions align with Sharia law and the Iranian Constitution—will steer the country through this transitional period following Khamenei's demise, according to IRNA.

Larijani, who heads Iran's Supreme National Security Council and previously advised Khamenei, commented, "An interim leadership council will be established shortly. The president, judiciary head, and a jurist from the Guardian Council will lead until a new leader is elected."

He emphasized that the formation of this council is a priority, stating, "We are aiming to establish it as early as today," during an interview on state television.

Moreover, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed that the country is prepared for "all scenarios" regarding the future post-Khamenei’s passing, as cited by state media.

He also remarked that US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have "crossed our red lines" and will "face repercussions".

Trump has cautioned Iran against any military retaliation, asserting that the response would be a "force never witnessed before". He stated, "Iran has indicated they will strike harder than ever. They should refrain, as we will respond with unprecedented force! Thank you for your consideration on this matter," in a recent statement.

This situation follows the Islamic Republic Guard Corps (IRGC)'s vow to exact punishment on the "murderers" of Supreme Leader Khamenei, following his death confirmation by state television, pledging that the retaliation will be the "most ferocious offensive operation in history" against the US and Israel.

On their official Telegram page, the IRGC declared, "The Iranian nation's hand of revenge for a severe, decisive punishment for the murderers of the Imam of the Ummah will not relent."

Additionally, the IRGC, along with the Armed Forces and Basij forces, will "vigorously uphold their leader's legacy, resisting both internal and external conspiracies and delivering what they describe as a lesson-intended punishment to aggressors against the Islamic homeland."

The IRGC has also initiated the fifth wave of Operation True Promise 4, targeting American vessels throughout the region, including in the Indian Ocean, that are transporting ammunition and refueling tankers.