Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has reportedly instructed close aide Ali Larijani, who leads Iran's National Security Council, to prepare contingency plans in case of military actions or assassination attempts against him. This information comes from a report by The New York Times, which interviewed several high-ranking Iranian officials as well as members of the Revolutionary Guard. These sources confirm Larijani's significant role in ensuring the Islamic Republic's resilience amidst potential attacks.

In response to questions about Iran's preparedness, Larijani emphasized that the country is well-equipped to handle various threats and has strengthened its capabilities over the past seven to eight months. His statements during a recent interview with Al Jazeera reinforced that Iran does not seek war but is taking necessary measures to bolster its defense. He claimed that Iran has identified and rectified its vulnerabilities and is more formidable than before, drawing attention to the continuous strategic repositioning of the nation in light of external threats.

The geopolitical implications of Khamenei's planning highlight increasing tensions with the U.S. and Israel, as both nations have historically opposed Iran's regional ambitions and nuclear aspirations. The preparedness efforts reflect a broader narrative of resistance and survival that is central to Iran's national policy, aiming to deter aggression while asserting its status on the global stage.