Iran After Khamenei: The Leader's Will Gives Larijani Control
Iran witnessed a shocking development today with the announcement of the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in an event that shook the foundations of the political system in the country.
However, the Iranian leadership did not leave matters to chance; the New York Times revealed last week, citing senior officials and former diplomats, that Khamenei had tasked the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani, one of his most trusted men, with managing the affairs of the country in the event of his assassination, in addition to his son Mostafa.
* Larijani Takes Control
Six Iranian officials and three members of the Revolutionary Guard clarified that Larijani (67 years old), the seasoned politician and former commander in the Revolutionary Guard, has effectively started managing sensitive political and security files since early January, amid internal protests and escalating American threats.
This rise has placed President Masoud Bezhakian, a heart surgeon turned politician, in a secondary position after a difficult year in his political role.
* The Last Will of the Leader
Officials revealed that Khamenei recommended issuing strict directives to Larijani and a limited number of close political and military associates to ensure the survival of the "Islamic Republic" against any American or Israeli strikes.
He also specified four layers of substitutes for each military or governmental position he personally appoints, and required leaders to name up to four potential successors for each position, delegating a narrow circle of close associates to make decisions if communications with him were cut off or he was killed.
* The "Delcy Iran" Plan
The Iranian plans include scenarios to ensure the continuity of the political system, including determining who will lead the country after the departure of Khamenei and senior officials.
The newspaper reported that Larijani tops the list of substitutes, followed by Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament, and then former President Hassan Rouhani, despite his exclusion from the leader's circles.
Sources indicated that they are looking for what is described as "Delcy Iran," referring to Delcy Rodríguez, the former Venezuelan Vice President who helped manage the country during President Maduro's crisis.
* First Official Reaction
In his first move following the news, Larijani issued a stern warning to Israel and the United States, asserting that Iran would teach "international invaders" an unforgettable lesson, in a message via the X platform, before the death of the leader was officially confirmed.
Larijani said:
"The brave soldiers and the great Iranian nation will teach international invaders an unforgettable lesson."
This news consolidates all information from the original article in an engaging manner, arranging events chronologically and by importance, highlighting the names of key figures and the critical decisions left by Khamenei before his departure.
