Report: Khamenei hands effective control of Iran to Ali Larijani

2026-02-22 - 09:07

In early January, as Iran grappled with nationwide protests, Khamenei turned to a trusted deputy to steer the country through the crisis: Ali Larijani, one of the Islamic Republic's most senior national security figures. Since then, Larijani, 67, a veteran politician and former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has been effectively running the country. He currently heads the Supreme National Security Council. His rise has pushed aside Pezeshkian, a heart surgeon turned politician, who has endured a challenging first year in office and has publicly remarked, "I am a doctor, not a politician," saying he should not be expected to solve Iran's many problems. The account of Larijani's ascent and of the deliberations within Iran's leadership, as President Donald Trump's administration threatens war, is based on interviews with six senior Iranian officials, including one affiliated with Khamenei's office; three members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps; two former Iranian diplomats; and reports in Iranian media. Ali Larijani. Photo: AP AP Khamenei instructed Larijani and several of his close allies in the political and military establishment to ensure that the Islamic Republic survives not only potential US and Israeli bombing, but also any attempt to assassinate its senior leadership, including Khamenei himself, the six officials and Guard members said. Nasser Imani, a conservative analyst close to the government, said in a telephone interview from Tehran that Khamenei has maintained a long and close relationship with Larijani and turned to him at this critical moment of military and security crisis. "The Supreme Leader has no doubt in his complete trust in Larijani. He believes Larijani is the right man for this sensitive juncture because of his political record, sharp intellect and knowledge," Imani said. "He relies on him for situation reports and pragmatic advice. Larijani's role will be especially prominent in wartime."