France, March 2 -- Khamenei, 86, had held power since 1989 and left no officially designated heir. The government announced 40 days of national mourning following his death on Saturday.

Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf sought to project confidence, telling state television that Iran had prepared for "all scenarios", including the death of its leader.

The constitutional machinery has been set in motion. Authorities said a provisional leadership council would be formed, as required by the constitution, to steer the country while a successor is chosen.

It is made up of President Massoud Pezeshkian, judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei and cleric Alireza Arafi, a member of the Assembly of Experts and the Guardian Council....