NYT: Larijani to run Iran if Khamenei eliminated

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has transferred part of his key authority to trusted ally Ali Larijani amid escalating US military threats and ongoing domestic instability, The New York Times reported, citing senior Iranian officials and security sources.

According to the report, Larijani — who heads Iran’s Supreme National Security Council — is now coordinating strategic decisions, including measures to counter protests and preparations for a possible military confrontation with the United States. Sources say the growing influence of Larijani has significantly weakened the position of President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is reportedly required to consult him on many major decisions.

Larijani’s role expands amid security concerns

The NYT notes that Khamenei has tasked a narrow circle of trusted figures with ensuring the survival of the Islamic Republic in the event of US or Israeli strikes — and even in the case of an assassination of senior leadership, including the Supreme Leader himself.

Sources indicate that a multi-layered succession mechanism has been developed, with multiple candidates designated for each key post. Larijani, however, is not considered a potential successor to Khamenei, as he is not a senior Shiite cleric — a formal requirement for the position of Supreme Leader.

Khamenei’s inner circle also reportedly includes former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Yahya Rahim Safavi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and chief of staff Ali Asghar Hejazi.

Iran raises military readiness

According to the report, officials in Tehran view a US military strike as “imminent and unavoidable,” despite ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

The armed forces have reportedly been placed on heightened alert. Missile systems are being deployed along the western border with Iraq and on the Persian Gulf coast, where US military bases are located. Iran has also conducted missile tests and military drills near the Strait of Hormuz.

In the event of war, authorities are said to plan to deploy special forces, intelligence personnel, and members of the Basij militia in major cities to prevent unrest.

Political scenarios under review

Iran’s leadership is also reportedly considering political contingency plans in the event of Khamenei’s death. In addition to Larijani and Ghalibaf, sources mentioned former President Hassan Rouhani as a potential influential figure in such a scenario.

Experts cited by the newspaper suggest that Khamenei’s redistribution of authority aims to reinforce institutional resilience amid both the risk of war and potential leadership transition. Despite these moves, the Supreme Leader remains the central pillar of Iran’s political system.

By Khagan Isayev