Iran is preparing a contingency plan in the event of the physical removal from office of the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and a breakdown of governance in the event of a possible military conflict with the United States.
Modern.az reports that the “New York” newspaper published information on this matter, citing high-ranking Iranian officials and representatives of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (SEPAH).
According to the newspaper, Ali Khamenei has delegated part of his powers to a limited number of trusted individuals and ordered the creation of a multi-layered succession system in both military and civilian spheres.
Leaders have been tasked with identifying four potential deputies in the event of a loss of contact with the supreme leader or his death.
Khamenei has entrusted the coordination of key decisions to Ali Larijani, the former speaker of parliament and head of the Supreme National Security Council.
His influence has grown in recent months: Larijani oversees internal security issues, cooperation with allies, and participates in negotiations with Washington on the nuclear program.
Amid recent tensions with Israel, Khamenei has also named three potential successors, but their names have not been disclosed. Larijani is not among them, as he is not a cleric.
Tehran believes that despite ongoing diplomatic relations, the risk of a possible U.S. strike remains high. In response, Iranian authorities have placed their armed forces on high alert and conducted a series of military exercises.
