TEHRAN – As tensions with the United States and Israel escalate, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly delegated responsibility for ensuring the survival of the political structure and managing potential war conditions to Ali Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. The move, detailed in a report by The Latest York Times, signals a heightened state of alert within the Iranian leadership and a proactive approach to contingency planning.
The delegation of authority to Larijani, a 67-year-ancient politician and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has occurred since early January, coinciding with internal protests and increased threats from the U.S., according to sources cited in the report. This shift in power appears to have marginalized Iranian President Masoud Pezharkian, who reportedly prioritizes his medical profession and has been reluctant to take responsibility for addressing macro-level crises.
According to the New York Times, domestic Iranian media outlets have noted a growing reliance on Larijani even for issues traditionally outside the purview of the Supreme National Security Council, such as internet filtering policies. This underscores his expanding influence within the current Iranian power structure.
The preparations extend beyond political maneuvering, encompassing detailed succession plans for key military and government positions. Khamenei has reportedly instructed Larijani and a circle of loyalists to establish multiple layers of succession, designed to prevent a collapse in governance should key leaders be assassinated or communication lines disrupted during a conflict. Middle East Eye also reported on these succession plans.
Succession Planning and Military Readiness
Nasser Imani, an analyst close to Iran’s conservative political spectrum, was quoted in the New York Times report as stating that the leadership has “full confidence” in Larijani, viewing him as a “sensitive and critical man of this time” due to his political experience and intelligence background. This confidence is reflected in the scope of his new responsibilities.
Simultaneously, Iran is demonstrating a visible increase in military readiness. The New York Times claims that, anticipating potential U.S. Military strikes, Iran has deployed ballistic missile launchers along its western borders, near Israel, and on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf, within range of American bases. All armed forces are reportedly at their highest level of readiness. The Times of Israel also reported on Khamenei’s succession orders.
The Irreplaceable Role of the Supreme Leader
Despite the extensive preparations and succession planning, experts emphasize the irreplaceable role of Ayatollah Khamenei. Ali Vaez, director of the Iran division at the International Crisis Group, noted that the Supreme Leader remains “the main driving force and blocking force of the system,” and that the country would face unforeseen challenges in his absence. This highlights the central importance of Khamenei’s leadership in maintaining stability and directing Iran’s strategic direction.
The situation underscores the complex interplay of internal political dynamics and external security threats facing Iran. The elevation of Larijani suggests a consolidation of power within a specific faction and a determination to navigate a potentially volatile period. News18 reported that Khamenei appointed Larijani as a successor in the event of an assassination scenario.
The coming weeks and months will be critical in observing how these preparations translate into concrete actions and how Iran responds to evolving geopolitical pressures. The focus will remain on de-escalation efforts and diplomatic solutions, but the current situation demonstrates a clear commitment to safeguarding Iran’s interests and ensuring its continued stability in the face of potential conflict.
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