Khamenei prepares succession plan in case of US or Israeli strike: NYT

2026-02-22 - 23:22

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued emergency instructions to senior aides outlining succession procedures and command structures in the event he is killed in a potential US or Israeli attack, The New York Times reported Thursday, citing Iranian officials, Revolutionary Guards members, and former diplomats. The preparations come as Washington considers military options following stalled nuclear negotiations. Contingency Plans and Authority Transfer According to the report, Khamenei's directives cover authority delegation and command chains for emergency situations, establishing multiple layers of successors for key military and political positions. If communications are severed or he is killed, decision-making authority would transfer to close associates. The report also claims Khamenei elevated Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, to a central management role during recent protests, effectively placing him in charge of state affairs. Larijani reportedly managed crackdowns on demonstrations, handled sensitive nuclear diplomacy with Washington, and coordinated with allies including Russia, Qatar, and Oman while conducting war planning against potential US attacks. Military Readiness Iran has placed its armed forces on high alert, deploying missiles around Iraq and the Persian Gulf while conducting military exercises in preparation for possible conflict. Public statements from Khamenei have maintained a defiant tone, promising strong retaliation against any attack. The military posture reflects Tehran's assessment that the window for diplomacy may be closing, with President Trump stating clarity on a potential deal would emerge within days and warning that without agreement "bad things happen." Succession Context Sources emphasize that Larijani is not viewed as Khamenei's likely successor but rather as one of his most trusted crisis managers. The succession planning underscores the gravity with which Tehran views the current threat environment, with contingency preparations extending to the highest levels of leadership. As Washington reviews military options ranging from limited strikes to broader campaigns, Iran's leadership is taking unprecedented steps to ensure continuity of command should the supreme leader become a target.