How does the death of Khamenei affect the situation in the Middle East? Expert: Iran will not fall into "headless dragon" situation.

According to reports from Xinhua News Agency, several Iranian media outlets confirmed on the 1st that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was killed in attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran. The Iranian government announced a 40-day national mourning period. U.S. President Trump tweeted on social media on the 28th of February, stating that Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei "is dead." Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a speech on the evening of the 28th, saying that increasing signs indicate that Khamenei "is no longer among the living." Niu Song, a researcher at the Middle East Research Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told a reporter from First Financial that Iran will not fall into a state of "leaderless chaos," and its political system still retains resilience. The Iranian government will adjust its policies based on the intensity and targets of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. However, the unexpected absence of the Supreme Leader in a time of war will lead to internal struggles over his successor for a period of time and may have a psychological impact on Iran's ability to resist military aggression from the U.S. and Israel, especially if a clear successor with a background has not been identified.