Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has reportedly ordered his inner circle to prepare for the possibility of his assassination amid tensions with the United States and Israel. According to the New York Times, Khamenei has appointed several successors to essential military and political positions and has delegated decision-making authority strictly to his close associates to ensure continuity should he become unreachable or be killed. Among those appointed is former Revolutionary Guards commander and politician Ali Larijani, who Khamenei named to lead the country at the beginning of January 2023, coinciding with widespread protests in Iran.

Since his appointment, Larijani has effectively been leading Iran, overseeing the suppression of protests, managing nuclear negotiations with Washington, and coordinating actions with allies such as Russia, Qatar, and Oman. His role is crucial as Iran prepares for an uncertain future marked by potential military conflicts and regional tensions. Larijani's responsibilities also include wartime planning, especially as Iran faces increased threats from external forces, and he is expected to play a key role in maintaining the regime's stability amid ongoing unrest.

This development underscores the precarious situation in Iran, where the leadership is increasingly concerned about the possibility of strikes or other aggressive actions from adversarial nations. Khamenei's proactive measures reflect a desire to solidify authority and ensure that there is a clear chain of command in place to navigate the challenges ahead, as the Islamic Republic continues to confront both internal dissent and external pressures.