Khamenei names Ali Larijani to manage Iran amid fears of US or Israeli strikes
Feb 22nd 2026
The New York Times reports Iran’s supreme leader has set up layered succession plans and put Ali Larijani in charge of crisis decision making as regional and US threats rise.
- Khamenei appointed Ali Larijani as de facto leader during January protests, according to The New York Times.
- Khamenei has drawn up four-layered succession plans with up to four designated replacements for key roles in case of his death or communication breakdowns.
- Larijani has effectively taken over decision making and sidelined elected president Masoud Pezeshkian in many matters.
- Sources cited by the New York Times say Larijani is preparing contingency plans to run the country during a potential war with the United States.
- Two US officials told Reuters that US military options could include strikes on individual Iranian leaders, though no names were specified.
- Iran has put its military on high alert, deployed ballistic missile launchers near Iraq and in the Persian Gulf, and conducted exercises including a temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Larijani lacks the senior clerical rank required to become supreme leader, making succession politically complex despite his rising visibility at home and abroad.