WASHINGTON: Following the increasing likelihood of a U.S. military attack and threats from Iranian leaders, Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, has assigned some sensitive responsibilities to Ali Larijani, according to the New York Times. Sources from the Iranian military and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps indicate that Larijani, the former Speaker of Parliament and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, has effectively taken over the management of political and security matters since early January 2026, resulting in a diminished role for the President of Iran. Khamenei has also instructed that potential successors be designated for every key government official to ensure continuity in governance in the event of an attack or assassination. Currently, Iran has placed all its military forces on high alert and established missile systems and special forces at critical locations. The developments coincide with preparations for the third round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva, although the previous two rounds of talks were described as positive.
