Iran's leader prepares for assassination: NYT reveals secret backup plan
Photo: Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei (Getty Images)
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered the development of a contingency plan in case of his assassination and a potential breakdown in the country's governing system during a military conflict with the United States, according to The New York Times.
Read also: Reuters names possible scenarios of Trump's operation against Iran
According to six senior Iranian officials and members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Khamenei has delegated part of his authority to a narrow circle of trusted aides and instructed them to create a multi-layered succession system in both military and civilian governance.
Officials have been ordered to identify up to four possible deputies in case communication with the supreme leader is severed or he is killed.
He has entrusted coordination of key decisions to former parliament speaker and secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani.
According to The New York Times, Larijani's influence has grown in recent months: he oversees domestic security matters, contacts with allies, and participates in negotiations with Washington over the nuclear program.
During the recent escalation with Israel, the supreme leader also identified three potential successors, though their names have not been disclosed. Larijani is not among them, as he is not a cleric.
Are the US preparing strikes on Iran?
As previously reported, the United States is considering various military options against Iran — ranging from targeted strikes on representatives of the ayatollah regime to a full-scale regime change.
Yesterday, February 21, it became known that the newest US aircraft carrier, after crossing the Atlantic, entered the Mediterranean Sea. The vessel’s movement has sparked discussion among military analysts and observers over its possible next destination and mission.
This area is considered the closest point where the presence of a carrier strike group could have practical military significance.
The distance to Iranian territory exceeds 1,500 kilometers; however, carrier-based aircraft are capable of operating at such a range with the support of aerial refueling tankers.
In addition, missile destroyers within the carrier group could potentially take part in Israel’s missile defense system in the event of missile launches.
It was also previously reported that the United States is considering a plan to assassinate Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei.
