Iran Prepares Succession Plans and Empowers Ali Larijani Amid Rising US Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has established multi-layered succession and contingency plans amid escalating tensions with the US and Israel. He has empowered Ali Larijani, a veteran politician and former Revolutionary Guards commander, to oversee state affairs, including managing protests, nuclear diplomacy, and wartime planning. While Larijani is not eligible to succeed Khamenei as supreme leader, he is trusted to lead during crises. Iran has placed its forces on high alert and delegated authority to a close inner circle to ensure governance continuity if Khamenei is killed or communications are disrupted.