Iran’s Supreme Leader Hands Over Leadership of the Country Amid Possible War with the US
фото: Reuters
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has handed over de facto leadership of the state to Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani .
The New York Times reports this, citing sources among Iranian officials.
According to the publication, following nationwide protests in January and amid threats from the US, Khamenei ordered the preparation of a plan to govern the country in the event of his death. Since then, coordination of key government decisions has effectively shifted to Larijani.
The 67-year-old politician is responsible for strategic decisions and must ensure the stability of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the event of a military escalation – in particular, possible strikes by the US and Israel or assassination attempts on the country’s leadership.
According to the NYT, Larijani’s influence has grown in recent months. He oversaw the suppression of the January protests, oversees the persecution of opposition citizens, maintains contacts with Iran’s allies – Russia, Qatar, and Oman – and is also responsible for nuclear negotiations with the United States.
“The Supreme Leader has complete confidence in Larijan. He relies on him for strategic analysis and practical advice,” said conservative analyst Nasser Imani.
Also, according to the NYT, during the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025, Khamenei identified three potential successors to the position of Supreme Leader. However, Larijani is likely not on this list, as he is not a religious figure, a requirement for the position.
In addition, Iran has established a multi-tiered system of succession in the military and civilian leadership—each official must identify up to four possible replacements.
As the NYT notes, the Iranian leadership is also developing scenarios for a potential defeat in a war with the US and the capture of the country’s top leadership. Among the possible figures named for the interim leadership are Larijani himself, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf, and former President Hassan Rouhani.
Trump previously stated that the American fleet was approaching the shores of Iran . He therefore called on Tehran to immediately begin negotiations on a nuclear agreement.
As is known, the United States planned for two rounds of diplomatic negotiations on Ukraine and Iran to take place in Geneva .
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