Iran’s Ayatollah is Quietly Preparing for His Own Assassination With Detailed Succession Plans
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly taken precautionary steps amid rising tensions with the United States and Israel, including planning for a potential leadership transition in the event of his death or removal.
A report published Sunday by The New York Times says Khamenei elevated longtime confidant Ali Larijani during January’s anti-government protests, effectively placing him in charge of key state decisions and sidelining Iran’s elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian.
Larijani — a former Revolutionary Guards commander and current secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council — has overseen the regime’s response to unrest, coordinated with allies such as Russia and Qatar, and taken a leading role in sensitive nuclear discussions involving Washington.
The leader of the Islamic regime in Iran, Ayatollah Khamenei, has reportedly designated his senior adviser, Ali Larijani, to handle key state affairs in the event of his death.
The New York Times, citing senior Iranian officials and members of the IRGC command. pic.twitter.com/QeMySZHlqq
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) February 22, 2026
Despite his growing influence, Larijani is widely seen as lacking the clerical standing traditionally required to succeed Khamenei as supreme leader. Other figures mentioned in succession speculation include Parliament Speaker Mohammad‑Bagher Ghalibaf and former president Hassan Rouhani.
Separately, Reuters has reported that U.S. military contingency plans in a potential conflict could include strikes on senior Iranian leadership, though no individuals were named.
In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
In view of Dr. Ahmadian’s appointment to an executive position in the govt., I appoint Dr. Ali Larijani to be the Leader’s Representative in Supreme National Security Council in accordance with Article 176 of the Constitution.— Khamenei.ir (@khamenei_ir) August 7, 2025
According to the Times report, Khamenei has also established a layered succession structure across military and government posts, designating multiple backups for each role. A small circle of trusted insiders has reportedly been authorized to act if communications are disrupted or if he dies.
Reports suggest President Trump is postponing action on Iran until the USS Gerald R. Ford docks near Israel.
Arrival expected within 24 hours — decision time is approaching fast.pic.twitter.com/puVP6DcCry
— Brandon Straka #WalkAway (@BrandonStraka) February 22, 2026
Iranian leaders are said to be operating on the assumption that a U.S. attack remains possible as Iran reinforces its regional posture. Forces have been placed on heightened alert, missile systems deployed near strategic frontiers, and military drills conducted around the Strait of Hormuz.
Khamenei remains in power, but the report suggests his grip — and his time — may be increasingly uncertain.
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