Significant changes are underway in Iran's governance and defense structures amid the possibility of war with the United States. This information comes from an article published in The New York Times.
The newspaper reports that due to the increasing probability of a military conflict with the US, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has entrusted Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, with the mission of ensuring the survival of the political structure and managing wartime conditions.
According to the newspaper, since early January, in the face of domestic protests and threats from the US, Ali Larijani, a 67-year-old politician and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has effectively taken over the management of the country's main affairs. This information is based on statements from six informed Iranian officials and a number of members of the Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The article notes that Larijani's rise has led to the apparent sidelining of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian emphasizes his professional identity as a doctor and refuses to take responsibility for resolving macro-crises. The New York Times, citing Iran's domestic media, writes: "Even doctors have approached Larijani on issues like filtration, which indicates the superior position of the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council in the current structure."
The newspaper also touches upon the security aspects of new directives being issued in Tehran, adding: "Iran's Supreme Leader has instructed Ali Larijani and the military-political loyalist circle to establish various succession layers for all key positions. These measures are being taken to ensure the system does not collapse in the event of an assassination or communication disruption during wartime."
US President Donald Trump has stated that there will be "bad things" if an agreement is not reached with Iran. Iranian students are renewing anti-government protests in Tehran amid US military preparations.
The American newspaper quotes analyst Nasser Imani, who is close to the principalist circle, as saying: "The leadership fully trusts Larijani and considers him a sensitive and critical figure for this period due to his political background and rich intelligence."
Another part of the article is dedicated to Iran's on-the-ground preparations. The New York Times claims: "Based on the likelihood of approaching American military strikes, Iran has deployed ballistic missile launchers on its western borders (near Israel) and on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf (in the vicinity of American bases), and all armed forces are at the highest level of readiness."
At the end of the article, the newspaper quotes Ali Vaez, director of the Iran division at the International Crisis Group. He notes that despite all succession and crisis management plans, the leader's role remains irreplaceable, as he is "the main driving force and blocking force of the system," and the system would face unpredictable problems without their participation.