Exclusive Q&A: Iranian journalist on Khamenei's death and Hormuz closure

As tensions escalate following the U.S. and Israel strike against Iran that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and over 40 high-ranking Iranian officials, CGTN conducted a written interview with Mehdi Latifi, editor-in-chief of Ana News Agency in Tehran, to gain insight into conditions on the ground, domestic reactions and the broader regional implications.

Latifi, who has extensive experience covering political and security affairs in Iran, shared observations on public sentiment, leadership transition and the strategic rationale behind Iran's decision to close the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the journalist, daily life in many Iranian cities is marked by grief and solidarity, with large-scale mourning events and intense social media activity. At the same time, citizens are expressing concern about potential economic hardship and the risk of broader regional conflict.

The following is an excerpt from the interview:

Latifi: It is still too early to make definitive judgments about the broader regional implications, as developments depend on multiple variables. However, within Iran, the absence of such a long-standing and widely recognized leader will inevitably create significant challenges. After nearly five decades of leadership, Ayatollah Khamenei had become a figure known to all generations, and broadly accepted across much of the political establishment. It is difficult to identify another individual with comparable experience and stature who could command similar cross-factional acceptance.

That said, the transition of leadership in Iran is governed by a constitutional process. According to Iranian law, the Assembly of Experts is the decision-making body responsible for appointing the supreme leader. Therefore, the succession itself is structured within a legal framework and, by design, is intended to be carried out promptly to preserve continuity and stability.

However, while the legal mechanism exists, internal and regional stability cannot be assessed solely through the lens of leadership succession. Ayatollah Khamenei's authority extended beyond Iran's borders; he was regarded as an influential and stabilizing figure not only domestically but also across parts of the region. The situation after him will inevitably be different.

Latifi: The reaction has been profound. For many, this has been a deeply shocking and traumatic event. Ayatollah Khamenei was not only the supreme leader but also a symbolic figure representing continuity and authority for decades.

Large gatherings and public displays of mourning have taken place, with people present in the streets expressing grief and solidarity. Social media platforms are flooded with messages of condolence, anger, and calls for unity and response.

The fact that members of his family and numerous senior commanders were also killed adds another layer of complexity and emotion. This is not perceived as a limited or isolated strike, but rather as a major national trauma.

Overall, the situation remains fluid. The coming days will be critical in determining both the domestic trajectory and the broader regional consequences.

Latifi: The Strait of Hormuz is strategically critical, not only for Iran but for global energy markets. Closing it – even temporarily – imposes substantial costs not only on Western countries but also on regional states. However, such a move would also carry heavy consequences for Iran and for global trade, making it unlikely to remain closed for a prolonged period. Any closure would likely be resolved either through negotiation, mediation, or potentially military intervention.

The announcement appears to be a strategic signal rather than a purely tactical measure. It communicates that Iran's response will not be limited in scope. By targeting such a vital maritime chokepoint, Iran is signaling to the United States, Israel and others that escalation carries global economic consequences.

However, given that the leadership itself was targeted, this is not an event that will fade within one or two weeks. The depth of the emotional and political impact suggests that responses may unfold over an extended period.

On the ground, many citizens express support for strong retaliatory measures, viewing them as a matter of national dignity. At the same time, there is concern about economic hardship and the risk of broader conflict. The reaction is therefore a mix of anger, solidarity and anxiety.

Latifi: In the short term, the shock factor is immense. The event – particularly because it resulted from the assassination of a senior and widely respected leader, along with members of his family and several high-ranking commanders – has deeply affected the public. A 40-day period of national mourning and a one-week nationwide closure have been announced. This alone indicates the scale of the moment.

Public sentiment is currently characterized by grief, anger and disbelief. Many citizens have taken to the streets. The emotional atmosphere is intense and is expected to persist in the coming days and weeks.

Regionally, the consequences are unlikely to remain confined within Iran's borders. The cost of what happened in Tehran will likely be borne by the broader region, just as we are already witnessing ripple effects. If Iran undergoes major internal transformations, neighboring countries will inevitably be affected. The Middle East is deeply interconnected, and instability in Iran would have significant spillover effects.

In the longer term, everything will depend on how effectively the political system manages succession, how unified the elite remains and how external actors respond.