Ali Khamenei appoints succesor in event of US assassination

jpost.com · Feb 22, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

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Khamenei takes steps to ensure succession amid rising fears of US strikes, assassination - NYTIran’s supreme leader has appointed his close ally, Ali Larijani, as the country’s de facto leader, sidelining the elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian.Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026.(photo credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS)ByJERUSALEM POST STAFFFEBRUARY 22, 2026 13:59Updated: FEBRUARY 22, 2026 17:56Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has taken steps to prepare for the possibility of his own elimination amid rising threats from Israel and the United States, according to a Sunday report by The New York Times.Khamenei appointed his close ally, Ali Larijani, as the country’s de facto leader during the height of the anti-government protests in January, the NYT report claimed, in a move that could reflect the increasing military pressure put on Tehran and Khamenei’s expectation that he could be targeted in future Israeli or American strikes.The report comes after earlier reports this week that speculated what a potential US strike on Iran might look like.Two US officials cited by Reuters have stated that the US military could target individual Iranian leaders as part of an attack on Tehran, which could aim to change the regime.The anonymous sources did not specify who might be targeted in such attacks.Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani speaks after meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon August 13, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/AZIZ TAHER)Larijani, a seasoned politician and former commander in the Revolutionary Guards, has long been a trusted member of Khamenei’s inner circle.He currently serves as the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and since his appointment, he has effectively taken over decision-making, sidelining the elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, a doctor by profession.Larijani prepares contingency plans for managing Iran during a potential warThe decision to appoint Larijani, who took a main role in the deadly suppression of the recent anti-regime protests, has further consolidated his power within the government.As protests intensified in January, Khamenei turned to Larijani to manage the country’s response, including coordinating with regional allies such as Russia, Qatar, and Oman, as well as overseeing negotiations with Washington on the nuclear issue.According to sources within the IRGC and Iran’s political establishment that were cited by the NYT, Larijani is also preparing contingency plans for managing the country during a potential war with the US, especially as US military forces remain concentrated in the region.As part of the preparations for a potential military conflict, Khamenei has issued instructions to Larijani and a small circle of trusted political and military figures on how to ensure the survival of the Islamic Republic in the event of military strikes or his own assassination.Sources close to the leader reportedly revealed that Khamenei has outlined a four-layered succession plan for each key military and governmental role, with each position to have up to four designated replacements.In addition, he has empowered a select few to make decisions in the event of communication breakdowns or if he is killed.Khamenei’s succession remains a contentious issue. While Larijani is a central figure in Iran’s leadership, he is not a senior Shi’ite cleric, a crucial requirement for the position of Supreme Leader.However, he is seen as the closest figure to Khamenei, alongside other prominent individuals such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Khamenei’s personal advisor, Ali Akbar Velayati.Larijani’s rise to prominence Larijani’s increased prominence follows the May 2025 missile strike, which targeted Iran’s top military chain of command, leading Khamenei to expedite plans for his succession.Despite continued diplomatic negotiations on the nuclear deal, the Iranian leadership is operating under the assumption that a US strike is imminent.The country has placed its military forces on the highest alert, deployed ballistic missile launchers along its western border with Iraq and in the Persian Gulf, and conducted military exercises, including the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz.The succession issue is compounded by concerns about Iran’s political survival amid increasing external pressures.Speculation has arisen over potential candidates to succeed Khamenei, with Larijani currently at the forefront, though former president Hassan Rouhani has also been mentioned, despite being sidelined from decision-making circles in recent years.Rouhani, a senior cleric, holds a significant advantage over Larijani and other military leaders due to his religious credentials.Larijani’s visibility has risen sharply in the past month. He traveled to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, met with leaders in the Middle East, and appeared in extended television interviews.Meanwhile, Pezeshkian’s public profile has diminished, and he has admitted in cabinet meetings that he often has to turn to Larijani to advance key issues, such as removing internet restrictions, according to the report.Larijani is also playing a central role in sensitive negotiations with Washington, where his approval is necessary for key diplomatic decisions.When US envoy Steve Witkoff inquired about potential executions of protesters, Iran’s foreign minister turned to the president, who then consulted with Larijani before proceeding with the response.Khamenei’s careful distribution of power reflects his awareness of the uncertain future.As tensions with the West grow, he has increasingly delegated authority to Larijani, who is seen as the man preparing Iran for the “next big event,” potentially a war.But for now, Khamenei remains the figurehead, keeping the system intact while laying the groundwork for his successor.Tobias Siegal contributed to this report.