22.02.2026 16:03
Iran's religious leader Khamenei has instructed his senior aides on how to act in the event of his potential killing in an attack by the U.S. or Israel. While it has been reported that the instructions cover the delegation of authority and command chains to be implemented in possible emergencies, it is also claimed that Khamenei has identified his loyal aide, Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, as his successor in the event of his death.
The potential threat of an attack from the U.S. has put Iran on high alert. According to a report by the U.S. newspaper The New York Times, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has instructed his senior aides on how to act in the event of being killed in a possible U.S. or Israeli attack.
INSTRUCTIONS COVERING AUTHORITY TRANSFER AND COMMAND CHAIN
According to The New York Times, Khamenei's instructions cover the authority transfer and command chains to be implemented in potential emergencies. The report states that Khamenei has designated multiple layers of successors for key military and political positions and has transferred decision-making authority to individuals very close to him in case of communication breakdown or his own death.
CLAIM ABOUT LARICANI
The report also claims that Khamenei elevated his loyal aide, Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, to a central management role during the protests held nationwide last month, effectively putting him in charge of state affairs.
ENSURED COORDINATION WITH ALLIES
In its report, based on interviews with senior Iranian officials, members of the Revolutionary Guards, and former diplomats, the U.S. newspaper noted that Larijani managed the suppression of the protests and the sensitive nuclear diplomacy process with Washington; he also ensured coordination with allies including Russia, Qatar, and Oman.
CONDUCTING WAR PLANNING
It was stated that Larijani is also conducting potential war planning against U.S. attacks. It was emphasized that Larijani is not seen as a potential successor to the Supreme Leader; he is one of Khamenei's most trusted crisis managers.
IRAN HAS PUT ITS ARMED FORCES ON HIGH ALERT
According to the report, Iran has put its armed forces on high alert; it has deployed missiles around Iraq and the Persian Gulf and conducted military exercises in preparation for a potential conflict. In public statements, Khamenei adopted a defiant tone, stating that a strong response would be given to any attack.