In early January, as widespread protests erupted and the threat of US military action loomed, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei entrusted Ali Larijani, a loyal ally and head of the security services, with significant power in governing the country. This transfer of authority indicates a strategic shift in Iran's political landscape, as Larijani, with his extensive background in military and governance, assumes effective control of the nation during a volatile period.

Larijani, a seasoned 67-year-old politician and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is now overseeing Iran's security and political operations amidst rising tensions and global scrutiny. His appointment is seen as a move to consolidate power within a hardline faction of the regime, as the country navigates challenges from both external adversaries and internal dissent.

As Larijani's influence grows, the political marginalization of President Masoud Pezeshkian, a cardiac surgeon turned politician, exemplifies this shift. Pezeshkian has struggled to assert his leadership in a year marked by significant challenges, while Larijani's role suggests a pivot toward a more militant approach in Iran's foreign and domestic policies, raising concerns about the implications for regional security and Iran's international relations.