New Film Released of Khamenei's Selection as Leader of the Islamic Republic in the Assembly of Experts

A new film has been released from the closed session of the Assembly of Experts where Ali Khamenei was elected as the leader of the Islamic Republic. Mr. Khamenei was elected as the 'temporary' leader after the death of Ruhollah Khomeini during the extraordinary session on June 4, 1989, until the constitutional referendum was held. The leadership board of the Assembly of Experts did not mention the temporary nature of this appointment in their announcement. After changing the conditions for leadership appointment, such as the requirement of religious authority, the Assembly held another extraordinary session in August to 'confirm' Khamenei's leadership following the constitutional revision referendum. In his speech, Khamenei states, 'First of all, one must truly weep for the Islamic community that even the possibility of [leadership] of someone like me is raised.' He continues, 'The issue has technical and fundamental problems.' In part of this speech, Mr. Khamenei, opposing his own selection, says, 'From both a constitutional and religious perspective, for many gentlemen, my words do not carry the authority of the leader... what kind of leadership will this be?' Khamenei further mentions, 'In this session, several gentlemen spoke and stated that I am not an expert (in religious matters).' Parts of this film also capture the remarks of Assembly members and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Mr. Rafsanjani mentions that he intended to speak in support of a council leadership, but since the majority voted for an individual leadership, he refrains from doing so.