Iran approves succession mechanism in case of leadership elimination

Iran has approved a power-succession mechanism to ensure continuity of governance in the event that the country’s leadership is targeted during a conflict, officials say.

The announcement was made by Iran’s First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, according to Iran International.

He said the government had prepared contingency arrangements to manage the state under wartime conditions, while stressing that Tehran was not seeking confrontation.

“The government has prepared a plan to manage the country in wartime, although we hope it will never need to be implemented,” Aref said, adding that the Islamic Republic does not intend to start a war but would not hesitate to defend the country.

Iranian officials have repeatedly warned of heightened regional tensions amid concerns about potential military action by the United States or Israel.

The newly approved procedure is intended to provide an orderly transfer of authority should senior figures be eliminated, reducing the risk of instability during a crisis.

Tehran insists the measures are defensive in nature and aimed at safeguarding state institutions rather than escalating conflict.

By Aghakazim Guliyev