"Succession Layers": Khamenei Braces for War by Empowering Ali Larijani and Creating a Quadruple Backup System

According to a New York Times investigation based on interviews with high-ranking Iranian officials, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has established a resilient command structure to survive potential U.S. or Israeli strikes. The plan, dubbed "Succession Layers," requires every military and government leader to designate four alternates. Amidst this restructuring, Ali Larijani has emerged as the de facto ruler, overshadowing President Pezeshkian by taking charge of national security, nuclear talks, and strategic ties with Russia.

The report suggests Tehran views U.S. strikes as "inevitable." Khamenei has also appointed Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as a wartime military deputy. In a highly sensitive move, Iranian circles are discussing a "Venezuelan Model" for governance should the Supreme Leader be incapacitated or killed, with Larijani, Qalibaf, and even former President Hassan Rouhani listed as potential crisis managers.