Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been appointed acting Supreme Leader of Iran, according to the state news agency ISNA.

His appointment follows his election by Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council as the jurist member of the Guardian Council in the country’s Leadership Council.

The Leadership Council is tasked with carrying out the duties of the Supreme Leader on an interim basis until the Assembly of Experts selects a permanent successor.

Arafi, 67, is a senior cleric and member of the influential Guardian Council. His confirmation places him on the three-member interim body overseeing the transition.

He will serve alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei on the council responsible for exercising leadership functions during the transition period.