In Iran the supreme leader is the heart of a complex power-sharing theocracy and has final say over all matters of state. The killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei after decades as head of state raises paramount questions about the Iran's future. It kicks off a complex succession process that could see a temporary leadership council assume power until Iran's 88-member Assembly of Experts appoints a new supreme leader. Deliberations about succession take place far from the public eye that makes it hard to gauge who may be top contenders.
